Political Maternal Involvement: A Comparative Study of Mexican Mothers’ Activism to Address School Board’s Deficit Practices

Abstract

Drawing from ethnographic research in two sites in California, we examine how school boards’ deficit practices create barriers for mothers. We analyze how school boards acted as gatekeepers to educational opportunities and maternal involvement. Our analysis reveals that mothers activated their agency as parents to foster civic capacity and create change in their local school systems. Findings support the emerging body of literature that calls for more collaborative models that acknowledge families’ cultural knowledge.