Sense of place: Latinx/o men's sense of belonging in a Latinx cultural center at a predominantly White institution

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of a Latinx cultural center in facilitating the sense of belonging of Latinx/o men at a predominantly White institution. This study examines how Latinx/o men perceive, experience, and participate in cultural centers, specifically from an ecological viewpoint. This research examines the Latinx cultural center through a critical cultural ethnography. Using critical race theory and Latino critical theory (LatCrit) this study interrogates the hierarchy of learning environment purposes to understand the factors associated with sense of belonging for Latinx/o men at a predominantly White institution. Participant photo elicitation interviewing is employed to produce visual elements and in-depth participant interviews. Four themes emerged from this study: (a) political safety during the bad hombre era; (b) shedding machismo: emotional vulnerability; (c) person-environment congruence; and (d) Latinx cultural center as a counter narrative. Recommendations for Latinx cultural centers and institutions of higher education are discussed as well as recommendations for future study.