U.S. Chicanas and Latinas Within a Global Context

Book excerpt: Using her observations of the United Nation's Fourth World Women's Conference held in China in 1995 as a foundation, the author examines the history and current situation of Latinas and attempts to place them in a global context. After examining the goals, objectives, and atmosphere of the Conference, she analyzes the Chicana feminist movement and its legacy and how Chicanas have struggled to relate to the Conference and its human rights platform. She then profiles U.S. Latinas and presents data on their reality in today's world. The response to U.S. expansionist policies and the Americanization process is examined and related to the Chicana feminist movement and its legacy. An important synthesis for students and researchers in Ethnic and Race Relations and Women's Studies.