First Name:
Marianne
Last Name:
Rupp
Major Department:
Sustainable Development
Thesis Director:
Cameron Lippard
Date of Thesis:
May 2009
This research explores an area of study less acknowledged by many scholars-the importance of community within Mexican farmworkers in the High Country. This thesis examines the importance of social capital within the context of sustainable development, considering how different aspects of freedom impact quality of life. Twenty male Mexican farmworkers were interviewed about what they perceive to be community, and why it is important, or not important, to them. The interviews were analyzed considering common themes between the responses of all the farmworkers. The analysis shows how family is the most important factor in community. It also considers the importance of friends and neighbors. The results are composed in a way that is helpful to the Farmworker Health Program to aid in their future work with farmworkers and to better inform future endeavors in developing community programs and events.