Mothers’ influences on Latino collegians: understanding Latinx mother-son pedagogies

Abstract

Research suggests that the role of parents is essential to the educational trajectories of Latinx college students, including their access to and graduation from postsecondary education. In this study we use Latino male collegians’ narratives to examine how Latina mothers influence their sons’ educational trajectories. Twenty-four Latinos from four universities participated in a three-step interview process. Secondary data analysis led to the emergence of several themes, including the influence of mothers. Using pedagogies of the home to guide the analysis, data revealed that Latina mothers influence their sons’: (1) educational trajectories and (2) academic identity development. The findings extend what is known about pedagogies of the home, as we describe the characteristics of Latinx mother-son pedagogies and how those influence Latinos’ academic development. This study contributes to what is known about familial influence on Latino collegians’ academic development.