Latin Jewish Families and Their Educational Choices: Navigating Multiple Identities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explores how Latin Jewish families navigate their intersecting identities as they make educational and other socialization choices for their children regarding heritage language and culture. Using a qualitative approach, the study focuses on six women, all mothers of young children living in San Francisco/Bay Area, who have chosen to transmit Jewish and Latin cultures and Spanish language to their children. Data analysis involved thematic coding and a grounded theory approach. The findings suggest that parents’ (in this case, mothers’) diasporic and minoritized cultural experiences play a large role in shaping their views, goals and practices for transmitting multiple diasporic cultures to their children. Understanding their choices offers Jewish educators and institutional leaders a critical view into better serving this Jewish demographic.