The Complexity of Parental Engagement in First-Generation Latina College Journeys

Existing research finds that parental involvement in higher education is critical for adult children’s academic success. However, this literature overwhelmingly focuses on White families and has paid minimal attention to Latine families. Drawing on 30 interviews (15 first-generation college-going Latina daughters and 15 of their working-class parents/guardians), I shed light on parent-daughter relationships and perceptions—on topics including familial bonds, the academic journey, and emotional experiences—vary between family units. As parents strive to support their daughters’ college persistence, I identify three distinct parental engagement types: Conductores (guiding parents), Porristas (cheerleading parents), and Precavidos (cautious parents). In all, I argue that each parental engagement type influences daughters’ college journeys in different ways, impacting their autonomy, levels of personal and academic support, and levels of academic and personal stress.