Submitted by a Client

      Chapter I presented the problem of Hispanic students in higher education, their limited representation especially in two year institutions, and their minimal graduation rates. As Carter and Wilson (1995) sustain Hispanics as a group are the less educated group in the nation, the least to enroll in college and attain degrees; among the reasons for the lack of academic success of this population. Alva (1991) also states that the parents' low level of education, occupation and income, added by the minority status and poor conditions at home interfere with Hispanics' college success. Other experts in the field identify their language limitations and the problems they face during their acculturation process for example Hernandez, Vargas-Lea, and Martinez (1995) believe that Hispanic students confront culture shock and have difficulties taking standardized tests that limit them from going to higher education institutions. Kavanauger and Retish (1991) add that the culture shock is exacerbated by nonexistent or weak and inconsistent support systems institutions in higher education have, specially in community colleges.

Edited by Dr. Bear

      Chapter I provided an overview of the dissertation and included the problem background and history, as well as a synopsis of the review of the literature on Hispanic culture and identity and their adaptation to the educational environment. The limited representation of Hispanic students in higher education, especially in two-year institutions, and their minimal graduation rates were considered the problems to be addressed. Further, according to Carter and Wilson (1995), Hispanics are the least educated group in the nation and the least likely to enroll in college and attain degrees.

      Alva (1991) points out that, among the reasons for the lack of academic success of this population are the parents' low level of education, occupation, and income which, added to their minority status and poor conditions at home, interfere with Hispanics' college success. Others, such as Hernandez, Vargas-Lea, and Martinez (1995), also identify their language limitations and the problems that Hispanic face during their acculturation process. They state that Hispanic students confront culture shock and have difficulties taking standardized tests, which limit them from attending higher education institutions. Kavanauger and Retish (1991) add that the culture shock is exacerbated by nonexistent, weak, or inconsistent support systems in higher education, especially in community colleges.

Submitted by a Client

      Although gender stereotypes influence the perceptions people have about the motivation of husbands and wives for using violence against each other, individuals in our society normally think of heterosexual males as the perpetrators and heterosexual females as the victims of spousal abuse. This may not be true in all cases, however, Adler (1975), suggests that the new female criminal offenders, in the current social climate where the women's movement has created a greater sense of empowerment for women than at any other period of time, are likely to display an increase in violent behavior with their violent acts approximating those of men in frequency as well as severity. He believes this is a result of the current severity of the problem.

Edited by Dr. Bear

      Gender stereotypes influence perceptions about the motivation of husbands and wives for using violence against each other. Individuals in our society normally think of heterosexual males as the perpetrators and heterosexual females as the victims of spousal abuse. However, this may not be true in all cases. Adler (1975) suggests that the new female criminal offenders, in the current social climate in which there is a greater sense of empowerment for women, are likely to display violent acts approximating those of men in frequency as well as severity.