Values and Education
A Study of the Spanish-Speaking Latin American Children in the Junior Schools of Metropolitan Toronto

Publisher:  The Cross Cultural Communication Centre, 1991 Dufferin St., Toronto M6E 3P9
Year Published:  1982
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX2405

One of the most significant factors in the life and experiences of children is the family context in which they live.

Abstract: 
One of the most significant factors in the life and experiences of children is the family context in which they live. Marcela Duran, in a 1975 master's thesis presented to the University of Toronto, Department of Educational Theory, recognizes this factor. Section C of the thesis is devoted to a brief analysis of working class Latin American families in Toronto.

Discussed are changes which take place in the life of the family upon immigrating. After arriving in Canada, many mothers seek paid employment to support their families. This often creates profound changes in family life, and is a major source of conflict within the family. The effects of these conflicts on the children are briefly discussed. Further discussion in this chapter includes the role of children within the family, parent/child relationships, and educational aspirations which Latin American parents have for their offspring.

This chapter is a useful summary of some of the most significant issues in the family life of Latin Americans. It is meant to be read and used within the context of the entire thesis which examines the education of a group of Latin American children, but several points are of relevance to other immigrant groups and, therefore, to other immigrant children.


Section C - The Latin American Family, by Marcela Duran

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