Mental Health Needs of Migrant Workers
Author: Duran, Ruben
Date Published: 1975
In order to develop a good mental health program for migrants, it is necessary to define mental health from a Chicano perspectives and, concomitantly, to consider the unique environmental circumstances in which migrants live. While no attempt will be made here to define Chicanismo as a cultural phenomenon, suffice it to say the term implies a militant sense of brotherhood and a desire to bring about social changes to improve the lot of Chicanos. To the extent that Chicanos assume such a posture, they differ in their cultural and social outlook from those who identify with Mexican Americans. The latter are more prone to favor assimilation, strive for acceptance into the dominant Anglo society, or be content with the status quo. Chicanos are more apt to be concerned with the problem of maintaining and reinforcing the Chicano culture, opposing assimilation, advocating cultural pluralism, and preserving the intrinsic cultural values of Chicanismo. Finally, Chicanos are vitally concerned with the problem of improving working conditions and increasing wages for farm workers through unionization. While it may be argued that differences in sociopolitical outlook between Chicanos and Mexican Americans are relative, Chicanos, in terms of culture, are distinct from Mexican-Americans and , hence, warrant special consideration in developing a system of mental health services for them.
Date Published: 1975
In order to develop a good mental health program for migrants, it is necessary to define mental health from a Chicano perspectives and, concomitantly, to consider the unique environmental circumstances in which migrants live. While no attempt will be made here to define Chicanismo as a cultural phenomenon, suffice it to say the term implies a militant sense of brotherhood and a desire to bring about social changes to improve the lot of Chicanos. To the extent that Chicanos assume such a posture, they differ in their cultural and social outlook from those who identify with Mexican Americans. The latter are more prone to favor assimilation, strive for acceptance into the dominant Anglo society, or be content with the status quo. Chicanos are more apt to be concerned with the problem of maintaining and reinforcing the Chicano culture, opposing assimilation, advocating cultural pluralism, and preserving the intrinsic cultural values of Chicanismo. Finally, Chicanos are vitally concerned with the problem of improving working conditions and increasing wages for farm workers through unionization. While it may be argued that differences in sociopolitical outlook between Chicanos and Mexican Americans are relative, Chicanos, in terms of culture, are distinct from Mexican-Americans and , hence, warrant special consideration in developing a system of mental health services for them.
