Undocumented Latina GBV Survivors: Using Social Capital as a Form of Resistance

Abstract

This research draws on the tradition of Latinx critical race theory (LatCrit) to explore how social capital is deployed by undocumented Latina GBV survivors as a form of personal and collective resistance. The study uses the social capital matrices of bonding, bridging, and linking capital as its primary narrative analysis grids. The research qualitatively analyzes a sample of undocumented survivors’ counter-stories regarding three factors: citizenship status, help-seeking behaviors, and service use patterns. Research findings illuminate the social logics of GBV disclosure locations, the use of informal support services, and how survivors strategically deploy new economic opportunity structures. The article highlights the intersectionality of GBV and undocumented status, demonstrating how survivors leverage various forms of social capital to resist both the carceral state and the violence of abusers.

Social Concern Theory and Family Violence Among Latino Families

“…Further, family violence may be deemed a private matter and victims may feel shame or be unwilling to report abuse ( Fuchsel, 2013 ; Reina et al, 2014 ). Finally, the very notion of familismo discussed earlier may lead victims to prioritize the family unit (including the perpetrator) over their own well-being ( Reina et al, 2014 ; Stauffer, 2021 ). Further research is needed to delineate these effects.…”

“…Therefore, it would be reasonable that Latinos who placed strong importance on familismo would be less likely to engage in family violence as suggested by social concern theory. However, it is important to note that in Stauffer (2021), Latino culture around familismo was a key reason why victims of gender-based violence placed their family before their own safety and remained silent about abuse. As the "family caretaker," Latinas are especially vulnerable to pressure to maintain the family structure, even if requiring them to "bear quietly whatever pain may go with her role" (Madley- Morrison & Hines, 2004).…”

“…Likewise, the social norms of the country of origin may conflict with the host country’s laws or social norms (i.e., American), inciting friction within households. Prior research has found that culture conflict may increase incidents of family violence ( Raj & Silverman, 2002 ; Reina et al, 2014 ) or pressure victims into silence ( Stauffer, 2021 ).…”

“…There are key aspects of Latino culture that make this group particularly unique to study including the high proportion of migrant and mixed-status families. The intersection of Latino culture and immigration factors has the potential to produce null effects or disrupt the beneficial dynamics of social capital ( Kubrin & Desmond, 2015 ; Stauffer, 2021 ). To illustrate, Kubrin and Desmond (2015) found little evidence to support that community social capital mediated the association between neighborhood immigrant concentration and adolescent violence.…”

“…To illustrate, Kubrin and Desmond (2015) found little evidence to support that community social capital mediated the association between neighborhood immigrant concentration and adolescent violence. Further, as Stauffer (2021) finds, the benefits of social capital are constrained due to the emphasis on the collective instead of individual needs and structural factors as a result of undocumented or insecure legal status. Specifically, victims of gender-based violence reported “ambivalence” about disclosing violence to kin due to the potential for shame from within social networks or the increased risk of deportation of themselves or family members ( Stauffer, 2021 ).…”