Date of Award

4-1987

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Anthropology

First Advisor

Dr. Robert Jack Smith

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to detail the cultural diversity of the Hispanic population in Kalamazoo, Michigan, so as to enhance the efforts of social and government agencies in dealing with the social and economic needs of these people.

While other studies have been conducted on Hispanics, this project was unique in that (a) data were collected while the researcher was in the role of advocate as an employee of the Hispanic-American Council, and (b) emphasis was placed on the cultural components of each Hispanic group in Kalamazoo. The discussion centers on the Mexican-Americans, Cubans, and Panamanians, with briefer consideration given to other Latin American groups in this area.

Recommendations are made regarding the need for more social science studies and for an expanded awareness of the diversity and complexity within the Hispanic population on the part of public administrators, policy makers and social agencies, who would promote social change effectively.

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