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Thesis
LA QUINCEANERA
University of West Florida
Master of Arts (MA), University of West Florida
2017
Abstract
This thesis examines the importance of the quinceanera ritual in the Mexican immigrant community as an ethnic and gendering practice. Arnold van Gennep's (1960) three phases of rites of passage are used to elaborate the ethnic and gender markers that transition a young Mexican girl into young womanhood. Additionally, the ritual is explored as a redressive mechanism to counter the feelings of fear and uncertainty that Mexican immigrants often experience upon arriving on American soil. Research for this thesis includedI questionnaires and interviews from participants in three separate Latino communities in Northwest Florida. Results show that the ritual is vital to the Latino community both as a marker for gender and ethnic construction and as a redressive act. Furthermore, the ritual unites families, builds communities, and provides a social field in which young girls can make their own identity.
Details
- Title
- LA QUINCEANERA
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Publisher
- University of West Florida
- Format
- text
- Identifiers
- 99380090859506600
- Academic Unit
- Anthropology
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Arts (MA)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), University of West Florida