Date of Award

1-1-2014

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School/Department

Department of Sociology

Content Description

1 online resource (iii, 39 pages) : illustrations.

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Joanna Dreby

Committee Members

Christine Bose, Katherine Trent

Keywords

dating, gender, legal status, relationships, undocumented young adults, undocumented youth, Noncitizens, Women noncitizens, Dating (Social customs), Undocumented immigrants

Subject Categories

Sociology

Abstract

Legal status' impact on romantic relationships has not yet been adequately explored in the literature. Based on video and phone interviews with twenty five undocumented activists from the ages of 18 to 28 years old, this research brings to light how legal status affects the romantic relationships of undocumented women and men. Gender roles are highly prevalent among young adults' accounts and were consistent with stereotypical male and female roles in dating which often attribute more power and responsibility to men. As such, women experienced a slight advantage because traditional notions of courtship did not require them to provide resources, such as money or transportation, required for dating. Their issues centered on the difficulties of disclosing their legal status and depending on their partners for everyday activities.

Download

Included in

Sociology Commons

Share

COinS