Emergent conscientização among rural Latinx youth: Challenges and opportunities of a culturally responsive approach

This action research study examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing a culturally responsive approach to fostering Conscientização (critical consciousness) among Latinx youth based on Freirean principles. The study examined data from a critical literacy intervention, which explored the educational and social experiences of rural Latinx youth (ages 13-17), all children of immigrant farmworkers. Our research emphasized the significance of reflection, awareness of social injustices, and emergent conscientização through literature and literary experiences as tools to empower youth. For ten weeks, youth attended sessions where they were encouraged to write and express their emotions and lived experiences as Latinx youth in the U.S. Findings revealed a process of emergent conscientização, such as reflexivity and awareness of social injustices, community change via solidarity, support networks and guidance. The intervention also demonstrated the advantages of implementing a culturally responsive approach by designing instructional materials that recognize the participants’ cultural identities and empower them to actively engage in their learning process. In this process, youth acknowledged their significant educational barriers and recognized their role in promoting social change. The study concludes with recommendations for educators who work with minoritized youth and possibilities for future research.