CULTURAL AND IDENTITY VIEWS IN TRANSNATIONAL SEASONAL WORKERS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This case study is a follow up on a previous article and explores the adaptation strategies of a seasonal worker in Midwestern United States. The extensive literature on Latinos in the US does not analyze such transnational, growing communities in Midwestern cities. The complex definitions of identity, literacy and bilingualism added two more layers to the conflicted concepts of transnationalism and respeto to adapt to a foreign culture as defined by Farr (2006). Although the participant is recognized bilingual by himself and others, his definition of belonging to a culture does not allow him to see as neither fully Hispanic nor American. A partnership between community members would help integrate individuals in similar circumstances to an area not as demographically diverse as other North American cities.