Hispanics’ Self-Esteem, Acculturation, and Skepticism of Women’s Work

This study investigated the relationships among Hispanics’ self-esteem, acculturation, and skepticism of women’s employment. Using a sample of Hispanic students, mediated regression analysis was initiated to determine whether acculturation mediated a proposed negative relationship between self-esteem and traditional gender attitudes. The results indicated that self-esteem and acculturation were positively related; self-esteem and employment skepticism were negatively related; and self-esteem was unrelated to employment skepticism in the presence of acculturation, which supported full mediation. Organizations should consider using a combination of diversity training, employee assistance programs, career counseling, and job-enrichment policies to facilitate Hispanics’ self-esteem and acculturation, and these efforts might lead ultimately to greater acceptance of women’s employment.