A Mixed Methods Investigation into Latino Fathers’ Roles in Their Children’s Educational Expectations

Latino fathers make meaningful contributions toward their children's educational expectations. Cultural factors and structural barriers may shape unique parenting roles for Latino fathers and their influence on their children's educational expectations. To explore the culturally nuanced roles of Latino fathers, we conducted a convergent mixed-methods study with 244 emerging adults to gain their perceptions of their fathers' parenting roles and how those roles influenced the relation between the fathers' and emerging adult children's educational expectations. A content analysis of qualitative data identified positive (e.g. motivation and emotional support) and negative roles (e.g. family absence and overworking) that participants perceived their fathers had in their education. Quantitatively, Latino fathers' educational expectations predicted emerging adults' own educational expectations, with the strongest association for fathers coded as having a positive parental role. Findings from this study support the need for more inclusive and culturally relevant research practices with Latino fathers and families. Supporting and incorporating the roles of Latino fathers in the school system may increase students' educational expectations.