Intersecting Identities, Education, and Economic and Subjective Well-Being: A Qualitative 'Testimonio' Study among Latina Single Mother Community College Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the gender inequities of unpaid household and childcare labor, especially for Black and Latina mothers who are also breadwinners. Notwithstanding, higher educational attainment has been found to be an important predictor of earnings and reentry into the labor market although disparities of earnings for women of color remained even among those with higher education degrees. This study explored how the intersecting identities of Latina single mothers, who were community college students, shaped their educational aspirations, and how cultural and gender norms influenced their career pathways, which, in turn, affected their economic and subjective well-being. Using an intersectionality lens and guided by the methodology of "testimonios," this qualitative study situated Latina single mothers as holders and producers of knowledge. Six themes emerged from participants' testimonios, which are nuanced insight into the barriers and challenges of Latina student mothers: (a) College Pathways, (b) Traditional Latina Gender Norms, (c) Latino Values, (d) Motherhood/Motherwork, (e) Subjective Well-Being, (f) Economic Well-Being, and (g) Nontraditional Student. By extension, the findings of this research can inform and highlight gaps in policy and academic services at community colleges, which predominately enroll this unique population. This study contributes to the existing literature by centering the needs of Latina student single mothers and exploring factors that lead to their degree attainment and academic persistence. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]