Marta Galvan

Graduation Semester and Year

2009

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

First Advisor

Susan Baker

Abstract

This qualitative study analyzes contemporary social action through the lens of Latino youth activism. A total of 11 people including Latino student demonstrators and non-demonstrators and teachers/administrators all shared their experiences and perspectives concerning the 2006 Latino youth immigration reform walkout that took place at a local high school. It was found that Latino youth secretly coordinated a walkout and executed it. Escorted by police they marched in the streets, recruited other students along the way, attended a rally, and were bused back to campus afterward. Demonstrators were both criticized and praised for their actions by peers and teachers/administrators. While demonstrators were discredited for many reasons as detailed in the text, demonstrators and non-demonstrators felt empowered with a renewed sense of pride after the walkout. Categorized as form of collective behavior, this walkout was deemed significant due to the agency Latino youth exhibited and the attention they brought to the issue.

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Sociology

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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