Generational differences and similarities among Puerto Rican and Mexican mothers' experiences with familial ethnic socialization

Abstract

We used focus group methodology to explore differences and similarities in the process of familial ethnic socialization among first-and second-generation Mexican and Puerto Rican mothers (N = 75). Across all groups, mothers communicated the importance and purposefulness of familial ethnic socialization practices that took place in their homes. A number of similarities emerged across national origin and generational groups, indicating that there were numerous shared experiences that did not change with greater time in the US and did not vary by national origin. Nevertheless, differences across generational status and within national origin groups were also discovered. Findings are discussed within the context of Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory and an acculturative framework.