Mapping Latino Studies: Critical Reflections on Class and Social Theory

Darder, A. and Torres, R. (2003) Mapping Latino Studies: Critical Reflections on Class and Social Theory. Latino Studies, 1(2), pp. 303-324.

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Abstract

During the last 30 years, we have witnessed an explosion of scholarship focused on Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, & other Latin American populations within the US. The outcome is the establishment of a field now known as Latino Studies. This article provides a critical reflection of theoretical strands important to the development of both social theory & pedagogy in the field. In particular, it examines the common use of terms such as 'identity,' 'globalization,' 'fragmentation,' 'difference,' & 'critical race theory' within the field & the ways in which concepts such as 'capitalism,' 'class struggle,' 'exploitation,' & 'inequalities' are often rendered invisible or, even worse, dismissed as 'out of fashion.' In response, the authors boldly reintroduce classical Marxism as a political & theoretical project within the context of Latino Studies research & teaching. They present an ambitious program for refiguring & (re)imagining the study of Latinos in the US -- a refiguring that would be impossible without locating class struggle at the center of the debate.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Class Struggle, Ethnic Studies, Hispanic Americans, Latin American Cultural Groups, Marxist Analysis, Social Theories, Identity, Latino Studies
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Torres, Prof Rodolfo
Authors: Darder, A., and Torres, R.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Latino Studies
ISSN:1476-3435

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