Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Publication Date
Spring 4-21-2022
College
Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, College of
Department
Sociology, Department of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Dr. Erin Pryor
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Research shows the intersectional inequality of lower socioeconomic status and Mexican-Americans, restrains the groups’ social mobility (Heller, et al. 2004; Rojas-García 2013). This restraint affects Mexican-Americans in their strides towards English proficiency through taking ESL courses. In previous studies, funding is identified as an issue within the ESL programs and their outcomes (Ruecker 2021). Proof of functioning ESL programs (Albritton 2021; Barnes 2021; Shiffman 2019) showcases the limitation which the lack of funding thus retains within these programs. In the case of which the word “functioning” is described here, the primary goal of this research topic is to examine the lack of funding as an educational tactic to limit ESL programs and how it directly affects the adult Mexican-American population by suppressing their socioeconomic mobility. In Dr. Pryor’s Social Research Method class, we were able to research this further through literature reviews and survey research with Introduction to Sociology student respondents, secondary data and content analyzes, and a qualitative interview with a qualified subject. By analyzing the above research topic, we can draw conclusions that support Mexican-Americans' inability to surpass and excel past the glass ceiling within United States’ society. We will discuss our findings, the methodologies, and proposals for future research.
Recommended Citation
Albritton, Meghan, Emily Mather, and Victoria Millard. 2021. “Lessons Learned: Three Student Leaders Reflect on Their Experiences in the Berry College ESL Program.” Journal of Community Engagement & Scholarship 14(1):1-3. Barnes, Julia, and Julee Tate. 2021. “An On-Campus ESL Program Reflects on the Ripple Effects for Students, the Institution, the Local Community, and Beyond.” Journal of Community Engagement & Scholarship 14(1):1-9. Heller, Peter L., David F. Briones, Salvador F. Aguirre-Hauchbaum, and Alden E. Roberts. 2004. “Source of Support and Mastery: The Interaction Between Socioeconomic Status and Mexican-American Ethnicity.” Sociological Spectrum 24:239-264. Rojas-García, Georgina. 2013. “Transitioning from School to Work as a Mexican 1.5er: Upward Mobility and Glass-Ceiling Assimilation among College Students in California.” The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science 648:87-101. Ruecker, Todd. 2021. “ESL Programs in Rural High Schools: Challenges and Opportunities.” The Rural Educator 42(3):14-27. Shiffman, Catherine Dunn. 2019. “Supporting Immigrant Families and Rural Schools: The Boundary-Spanning Possibilities of an Adult ESL Program.” Educational administration quarterly 55(4):537-570.
Comments
There are other presenters as well: Grace Cleland, Jessica Mattsson, and Nigel marvin