International migration, work, and cultural values: A mixed-method exploration among Latino adolescents in U.S. agriculture

• Published in: Family relations 2022-02, Vol.71 (1), p.325-351
• Main Authors: Carlos Chavez, Fiorella L, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A, Perez Rueda, Alberto M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescents; Adults; Age; Agricultural Laborers; Agriculture; Child development; Cultural values; Decision making; Dependency; Economic opportunities; Employment; Families & family life; Family (Sociological Unit); Family work relationship; Farmworkers; Hispanic Americans; Interdependence; Labor Force; Land Acquisition; Latin American cultural groups; Males; Migrant workers; Migrants; Migration; Mixed methods research; Overseas Employment; Payments; Phenomenology; Remittances; Teenagers; Transnationalism; Values; Well being; Work; Work values; Workforce
• ISSN: 0197-6664; 0197-6664
• DOI: 10.1111/fare.l2603

Objective: The objective of this research is to understand the factors contributing to Latino adolescents' migration and entrance into U.S. agriculture. Background: Adolescent Latino migrants pursuit of work in the United States could be considered a family strategy to generate income. However, little is known regarding the degree to which the decision to migrate for work depends on family financial need. Method: In Study 1, a transcendental-phenomenological approach explored views on migration and work choice among 20 (Mage = 17.75 years) adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrants in the southeastern United States. Based on Study 1 findings and in a separate sample (N= 36; Mage = 17.81 years), Study 2 examined migration decisions, farmwork, and their associations with cultural values, frequency of remittances, and family's financial dependency. Results: Study 1 highlighted four major themes: "It was the best thing I could do," "It was my decision," "Farm-work just made sense," and "This is just temporary." Study 2 showed significant relationships between the decision to migrate to the United States and the decision to work in U.S. agriculture with Latino and U.S. mainstream values. Conclusion: Adolescent Guatemalan and Mexican migrant farmworkers endorsed a bicultural orientation wherein temporary U.S. agricultural work contributed to family well-being and getting ahead in life. Implications: Adolescents' international migration for work is a complex reality wherein family and individual cultural values corne together for family survival and prosperity. Future research should consider family interdependence among Latino parents and adolescents.