Passing Through the Eye of the Needle: High-Achieving Chicanas

Abstract

This article deals with a study of 17 Mexican American women between the ages of 28 and 40 years who came from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, yet succeeded in completing J. D., M. D., and Ph. D. degrees. The researcher investigated 10 areas of the women's backgrounds ranging from child-rearing practices used by the parents to peer and school variables. The objective of the study was to identify background factors and experiences held in common by the women that may have contributed to their extraordinary educational accomplishments. Among the things found to be most important for these women were the strong models their mothers provided, the emotional support of their families, and the fact that they had attended highly integrated schools.