Abstract

Latinos are the fastest growing minority group in the U.S., calling for a necessary increase in research regarding Latinos and Latino families. The purpose of this study was to analyze the communication styles and dynamics within Latino families in the U.S. with at least one first-generation family member. Specifically, I planned to learn more about the division of gender roles, cultural and family values, and nonverbal communication within the family. Since I graciously received Henry J. Copeland Funds, I traveled to Denver, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois to conduct qualitative interviews with nine participants. Through the theoretical lens of family communication, bicultural influences, gender roles, and nonverbal communication from my literature review, I formed the basis for my interviews. After conducting and analyzing the responses from my interviews, three major themes emerged surrounding the major concepts from these interviews.

Advisor

Atay, Ahmet

Department

Communication Studies

Disciplines

Critical and Cultural Studies | Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication | International and Intercultural Communication | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication

Keywords

Family, Family Communication, Gender Roles, Nonverbal Communication, Haptics, Latino, Latino Families, Collectivism, Individualism, Familism, United States

Publication Date

2016

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2016 Andrea Savatt