Schooling, Work, and Idleness among Mexican and Non-Latino White Adolescents

Authors: Landale N.S.; Oropesa R.S.; Llanes D.

Source: Social Science Research, Volume 27, Number 4, December 1998 , pp. 457-480(24)

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Abstract:

This article examines the activities of Mexican and non-Latino white adolescents using multilevel data from the 1990 U.S. Census. A primary aim of the research is to evaluate whether the classic assimilation model or a model of segmented assimilation best describes the generational pattern of schooling among Mexican-origin youth. Results show that foreign-born Mexicans are more likely to drop out of school than their native-born counterparts, but the behavior of the foreign born depends upon age at immigration. Third(+)-generation Mexicans are more likely to drop out of school than both second-generation Mexicans and non-Latino whites. Youth residing in the central city or in MSA/PMSAs with unfavorable economic characteristics are more likely to drop out of school than others. Consistent with a segmented assimilation model, the generational pattern of schooling for Mexican youth differs for those living in the central city and those living outside the central city. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: Department of Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University

Publication date: 1998-12-01