Young Latinx Farmworkers: Their Views on Society and Civic Life

The daily grind of young Latinx farmworkers in North Carolina is tough. Many of these kids are between 11 and 19 years old. They have strong beliefs about fairness in society. They also feel connected to their communities and believe they can make a difference. This is interesting because they are not very active in volunteering or politics. This raises questions about how their experiences shape their views on civic life in the U. S. as they grow older. It is important to understand how their daily lives and experiences influence their developing ideas about civic life. This is a critical area for future research. The study looked at 169 Latinx child farmworkers. The average age was about 15. 8 years. Most of them were boys, making up 62. 7% of the group. The research focused on their civic attitudes and behaviors. It also examined how these attitudes and behaviors vary across different demographic characteristics. The findings show that these young farmworkers have a strong sense of community and believe in their ability to effect change. However, their involvement in civic activities is quite low. This is a puzzle worth exploring. Why do they believe in their power to make a difference, but do not engage in civic activities? This is a question that future studies should address. The study used various statistical methods to analyze the data. These methods included Generalized Linear Models, the Kruskal-Wallis test, t-tests, and Chi-Square tests. The goal was to understand the relationships between demographic variables and civic outcomes. The results highlight the need for more research on how the experiences of child farmworkers shape their civic development. Understanding this can help in developing theories about sociopolitical development. It can also inform policies and programs that support these young individuals. This is crucial because their experiences and beliefs will shape their future participation in civic life. The findings also raise important questions about the role of community and efficacy beliefs in civic engagement. Why do these young farmworkers feel connected to their communities and believe in their ability to make a difference, but do not engage in civic activities? This is a question that future research should explore. It is also important to consider how their experiences as farmworkers influence their civic development. Do their daily struggles and experiences shape their views on society and civic life? These are questions that need answers. Understanding these dynamics can help in developing strategies to increase civic engagement among young Latinx farmworkers. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the civic attitudes and behaviors of Latinx child farmworkers in North Carolina. It highlights the need for more research on how their experiences shape their civic development. It also underscores the importance of understanding the role of community and efficacy beliefs in civic engagement. Future studies should focus on these areas to gain a deeper understanding of the sociopolitical development of young Latinx farmworkers. This knowledge can inform policies and programs that support their civic engagement and development.