The Role of Cultural Values in the Empowerment of Latina Women

Abstract

Among Latinx individuals, cultural values are seen as positive assets that act as protective factors. However, there is limited research on cultural values that pertain specifically to the empowerment of Latina women as well as the presentation of empowerment for Latina women. This study used semi-structured interviews to examine the cultural values that may hinder or promote empowerment in Latina women as these feelings of connection to cultural values could be related to positive outcomes. This study also sought to examine the definitions of empowerment among Latina women. We hypothesized that women will identify values such as familism, as well as mainstream values, such as independence, self-reliance, and personal achievement, as influencing their sense of empowerment in a positive manner. Using thematic analysis, we identified the following themes: achievement, representation, voice, being Latina, individual difference, relational, and rights and freedoms. Implications will be discussed.