Uncovering Typologies of Civically Engaged Latinx/a/o College Graduates

This dissertation examined how Latinx/a/o college graduates engage civically. Guided by Morton’s (1995) paradigms of service, Drezner’s (2018) philanthropic mirroring framework, and Moll et al.’s (1992) funds of knowledge, I investigated how Latinx/a/o college graduates engage civically in their communities and with their alma maters. Through an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design, I found that Latinx/a/o college graduates vote, volunteer, advocate, donate money, serve as cultural and political resources, and run for elected office. I also identified five typologies, or classes, of civically engaged Latinx/a/o college graduates: Activistas, Mentores, Politicos, Votantes, and Indiferentes. This study sought to address analytical and methodological shortcomings in the existing literature on Latinx/a/os and how college graduates engage civically. Overall, this dissertation expands the knowledge of Latinx/a/os’ civic engagement. Practitioners, researchers, and policymakers all have a role to play in fostering and supporting Latinx/a/o college graduates’ civic participation. Moreover, Latinx/a/o college graduates have the potential to serve as change agents that contribute to society and encourage their families and communities to do the same.

Department dc:contributor.department

Education Policy, and Leadership

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Guzman, Amilcar

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cabrera, Alberto F

Language dc:language.iso

en

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.13016/aflh-65yf

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:drum.lib.umd.edu:1903/26481