Review by Choice Review
This in-depth, extensively researched monograph focuses on the gendered singularities of the transnational communities created by Mexican immigrants. One such community exists between San Ignacio Cerro Gordo, in the state of Jalisco, and Detroit. Its origins date to 1942, at the onset of the Bracero Program. Constant two-way travel by the Detroit immigrants to their Mexican hometown for economic, family, and religious reasons created the networks that secured the transnational community. The foundation of the social relationships between family and neighbors in this cross-border community is more often than previously thought the responsibility of women. Persistently, women have assumed the leadership of immigrant networks, family unity, cultural continuity, and community cohesiveness. The multiplicity of these roles is intricate and burdensome on women. They often find themselves in the middle of the apparent conflict between Mexican cultural and religious traditions versus the US mores of female autonomy and assertiveness. However, these are only seemingly opposite value systems, for the Mexican communities are still substantially patriarchal. Copious notes with transcripts of interviews, illustrations, photographs, and statistical charts. Suggested especially for immigration scholars, lawyers, and immigrant rights advocates. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. M. S. Arbelaez University of Nebraska at Omaha
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
