Women Teachers of Rural Oaxaca: Agency and Empowerment

Teaching is a popular career choice for Mexican women with advanced education, and the majority of teachers in Mexico are women. This ethnographic study explores how acquisition of schooling and employment has empowered maestras to make informed decisions about marriage, support themselves, help their parents and siblings, and provide education and opportunities to their own children. They have served as role models for their students, relatives, and neighbors and have contributed to cultural changes, including the expansion of women's roles in a patriarchal society.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Teaching is a highly sought-after career choice among Mexican women who pursue advanced education, with a majority of teachers in Mexico being women. Following the Mexican Revolution, Mexican maestras, or women teachers, became a ubiquitous presence in rural areas, making significant contributions to their students. In the mountainous and largely rural state of Oaxaca, some maestras bravely choose to live away from their homes and families for years, teaching in isolated communities. Their unwavering dedication and courage are evident in their pursuit of teaching, as they aim to provide for themselves, care for their loved ones, and contribute to their communities.

Through an in-depth analysis of a dozen maestras' narratives, this ethnographic study explores the empowering effects of education and employment on maestras. It uncovers how these women have gained the ability to make informed decisions about marriage, support themselves, assist their parents and siblings when necessary, and provide education and opportunities for their own children. These maestras have not only served as role models for their students, relatives, and neighbors but have also played a significant role in cultural changes, particularly in the expansion of women's roles in a patriarchal society.

By their tireless efforts and labor, these maestras have planted seeds that have contributed to the growth and transformation of their communities. Their dedication to teaching and their commitment to empowering women have left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to pursue education and break barriers. The story of these maestras serves as a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666904123