#hermandad: Twitter as a Counter-Space for Latina Doctoral Students

Abstract

Latinas are significantly underrepresented in doctoral programs in U.S. higher education institutions. While pursuing doctoral studies is a challenging experience for anyone, Latina doctoral students are particularly burdened with additional stressors in an academic environment that does not support Latina/o cultural values, such as familismo (familism) and personalismo (personalism). In the absence of a local network of Latina/o faculty and colleagues, Twitter may serve as a counter-space to support Latinas experiencing cultural incongruity and who are looking for ways to advocate for Latina/o communities.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Estee Hernández

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Estee Hernández ([email protected]) is a doctoral candidate in the higher education program at Florida State University. Her research interests focus on the Latina doctoral student experience and social media counter-communities.