Date of Award
8-15-2011
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Heritage Studies, Ph.D.
First Advisor
Brady Banta
Committee Members
Richard Burns; Ruth Owens
Call Number
LD251 .A566d 2011 B8
Abstract
Since 2000, the Hispanic population in Jonesboro skyrocketed 170.1 percent. With the growing Hispanic presence, how will Hispanics with English language deficiencies overcome language barriers in a city composed primarily of English speaking people? Are local businesses, educational institutions, social service agencies, city and county government offices ready to provide the goods and services needed by a growing Hispanic population? Do Hispanic newcomers feel welcome in Jonesboro? Are there opportunities for Hispanics to integrate into Jonesboro's non-Hispanic community? Is the growing Hispanic cultural imprint appearing in Jonesboro evidence of a people clinging to their national heritage instead of seeking opportunities to assimilate into broader community? Applying Dr. Terrence Haverluk's definition of assimilation as "the process by which a minority culture absorbs characteristics of the dominant society and culture," this dissertation explores the obstacles and opportunities for Hispanic assimilation in Jonesboro and will determine if the Spanish speaking population is integrating into the city or resisting incorporation by retaining their cultural identity and traditions. This research provides a basis for Hispanics and non-Hispanics
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Bowman, Melany Magee, "Home Away from Home: The Assimilation of the Hispanic Population in Jonesboro, Arkansas" (2011). Student Theses and Dissertations. 938.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/938
