Synopses & Reviews
Does the achievement of economic equality in a multiethnic society require the complete loss of a minority's cultural identity? Beyond Aztlan argues that American society has historically viewed a distinctive cultural identity as something that an ethnic group gives up in order to achieve economic and political parity. Mexican Americans, who have scored limited gains in their struggle for equality since the 1940s, are proving to be no exception to the rule. However, Barrera compares the situation of Mexican Americans to that of minority groups in four other countries and concludes that equality does not necessarily require assimilation.
Review
A most innovative comparative analysis and assessment of regional autonomy and pluralistic accommodation of various ethnic groups in four countries with ethnic diversities (Canada [Quebec], China, Switzerland, and Nicaragua) as they apply to Chicanos and Aztlan. This is an important preliminary analysis of comparative Chicano political thought. This is a most highly recommended.LA RED/THE NET
Review
Anyone interested in the issues of ethnic equality with cultural maintenance or regional autonomy would do well to read this book.American Journal of Sociology
Synopsis
"Anyone interested in the issues of ethnic equality with cultural maintenance or regional autonomy would do well to read this book, if not for its answers, then perhaps for its questions." American Journal of Sociology
About the Author
MARIO BARRERA is Professor of Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of Race and Class in the Southwest (1979).
Table of Contents
The History of Chicano Ethnic Goals
Introduction: Goals, Dilemmas, and Autonomy
The Emergence of Chicano Ethnic Goals
The Shift to Equality
The Chicano Movement and the Revival of Community
Postmovement Trends: Fragmentation, Radicalization, Retraditionalization
A Comparative Analysis
Unintended Consequences and Internal Contradictions
Learning from Experience, Part I: Canada and China
Learning from Experience, Part II: Switzerland and Nicaragua
In Search of Aztlan
Bibliography
Index