Good Boys, Bad Hombres: The Racial Politics of Mentoring Latino Boys in Schools

Michael V. Singh's book Good Boys, Bad Hombres examines the politics of empowerment and inclusion for Latino boys in schools. He argues that the promotion of an aspirational form of Latino masculinity is rooted in neoliberal multiculturalism, heteropatriarchy, and anti-Blackness, and that even such empowerment programs can unintentionally reproduce attitudes that paint Latino boys as problematic. Singh suggests that new narratives and practices are necessary for a reimagining of Latino manhood in schools and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 13 March 2024
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Educational research has extensively explored the politics of punishment for boys and young men of color in schools, shedding light on the systemic biases and discrimination they face. However, there has been limited attention to the politics of empowerment and inclusion in this context. In his book, "Good Boys, Bad Hombres," Michael V. Singh delves into this critical aspect of youth control in schools, questioning who gets to define what constitutes a positive Latino manhood.

Based on two years of ethnographic research in an urban school district in California, "Good Boys, Bad Hombres" examines Latino Male Success, a school-based mentorship program designed to support Latino boys. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on the threat of punishment to shape these boys' lives, the program aims to provide an "invitation to a respectable and productive masculinity" rooted in traditional Latinx signifiers of manhood. Singh argues, however, that the promotion of this aspirational form of Latino masculinity is deeply intertwined with neoliberal multiculturalism, heteropatriarchy, and anti-Blackness. Even well-intentioned empowerment programs can inadvertently perpetuate attitudes that label Latino boys as problematic and in need of control and containment.

Through an insightful gender analysis, "Good Boys, Bad Hombres" sheds light on how mentorship programs are often implemented as a response to the perceived crisis of Latino boys. It explores the ways in which these programs are governed by the perceived remedies of the neoliberal state, which often prioritize economic growth and individual success over collective social welfare. Singh documents the ways in which Latino men and boys resist the politics of neoliberal empowerment and advocate for new visions of justice that challenge patriarchal norms and promote equity and inclusion.

In conclusion, "Good Boys, Bad Hombres" is a groundbreaking book that offers a critical examination of the politics of youth control and empowerment for Latino boys. Singh's work challenges the dominant narratives and practices that perpetuate biases and discrimination against these boys and advocates for a reimagining of Latino manhood that is rooted in equity, respect, and inclusion. By highlighting the ways in which mentorship programs can reproduce harmful attitudes and by proposing alternative narratives and practices, Singh contributes to the ongoing conversation about the importance of promoting positive outcomes for all young people, regardless of their race or gender.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517912987