I. Introduction. An overview of Mexican Americans ; The general population ; The migrant workers

The research setting and methods

Editing procedures.

II. Mexican and Mexican American women as portrayed in the literature. The Mexican family and the Mexican woman ; Historical perspective ; Machismo ; Four community studies

The Mexican American family and the Mexican American woman. Family unity ; Machismo and women's roles.

III. Self-portraits of five women. Introductory note ; Lupe Serna ; Lidia Curiel ; Mary Ramos ; Amelia Villa ; Mercedes Espinoza.

IV. Key aspects of Mexican American womanhood. Growing up

Symbolic events

Machismo and the double standard

Motherhood

Decision making and economic concerns

Women's roles and impression management

Ethnic identity and socio-economic structures.

V. Theoretical frameworks and educational implications. Theoretical frameworks for the study of Mexican American women

Educational implications.