Work and Family Conflict Among Mexican-Americans

Family related workplace issues are covered in Mary Gowan''s "An Examination of Gender Differences in Mexican-American Attitudes Toward Family and Career Roles" (Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, June, 1998). Questionnaires were completed by 140 Mexican-American college students enrolled in business administration classes in an effort to ascertain the extent to which they retain the traditional Mexican attitude that working outside the home is unacceptable for a female.

While the results reflect a more Euroamerican orientation, the Mexican-American male still held more traditional views than did the female, suggesting conflict at both home and at work. This includes disagreements with her spouse, especially if she is a mother, and the less obvious potential for conflict with Mexican-American male employees and supervisors who may disapprove of her presence.

Gowan calls for more research in this area, since a better understanding of Hispanic culture is critical for developing appropriate programs for the workplace. Previous research has centered on Anglo-American groups, and, "since most workplace initiatives to respond to work/family concerns are based on attitudes and needs of Anglo-Americans," they "may not be applicable to other ethnic groups."