Mary Sanchez and Gwen Richtermeyer, Ph.D:
Latinas Overcoming Social Class
Obstacles
Working
class Latinas often overcome significant obstacles and barriers to attain
educational and professional success. Richtermeyer's research
shows that the very attitudes and methods the Latinas used to gain their
new-found middle class stature, begin to derail them later. These once
productive attributes actually prevent the women from reaching their goals as
adults. Richtermeyer's
research reveals the unrecognized salience of social class in shaping the views
of women who have moved from the working class into the middle class. These undesirable effects remain hidden as
Latinas struggle to comprehend why they are stymied in their professional
careers.
Sanchez
has taken this research and used it to reach out to young Latinas. Her efforts
to give practical application to the findings have included using Richtermeyer's work to mentor and otherwise guide young
Latinas. She helps them to understand and overcome many of the barriers she
experienced in her own life and career.
Her real-life examples show how knowledge of these unseen barriers can
transform thinking and therefore, behavior.
The vignettes are a stirring reminder that not all the issues Latinas
face are visible and tangible. In fact, some of the most harmful begin to be
absorbed at a young age.
Contact Information:
Gwen
Richtermeyer, Ph.D.
Director,
University
of Missouri-Kansas City
4747
Troost, #217
816-235-6343
richtermeyerg@umkc.edu
Mary Sanchez
Columnist, Knight Ridder
Tribune
The
816-234-4752
msanchez@kcstar.com