Survival Strategies of Mexicanas, The Eagle Feather

2007 Issue

Table of Contents | Editorial Board | Review Acknowledgements

Survival Strategies of Mexicanas

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Author: Jannell Robles, San Jacinto College
Faculty Mentor:
Mariela Nuñez-Janes, Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service, University of North Texas
Department:
Department of Anthropology, College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Bio:
Jannell Robles, born and raised in Houston, Texas, is currently a junior at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas. She plans to pursue her studies in Anthropology and Spanish at the University of North Texas. Jannell’s interests include issues related to race and ethnicity, Latino/a Studies, Political Science, and Women’s Studies. Her research with the National Science Foundation REU Summer Program in Anthropology at UNT concentrates on the survival strategies of Mexicanas in the United States. Jannell hopes to continue her research as she completes her BA.

Abstract: Mexicanas, women who migrated from Mexico to the United States or are of Mexican descent and living in the United States, have unique ways of dealing with life’s hardships and struggles. In this research I identify their ways of coping as types of survival strategies. Mexicanas use these strategies to preserve culture and to cope with the social and economic differences within and between Mexico and the United States. This research attempts to explain how the strength of their survival strategies and their accomplishments contradict negative views of Mexicanas. Mexicanas rely on resistance and survival strategies to ensure their well-being. The strategies discussed in this research include Sobrevivencia (survival, resilience, resistance), Valerse por si misma (financial self-reliance), Convivencia (formation of family and community networks), and La Educación y Consejos (socialization/education in manners and moral values through advice and story-telling).

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