Solving Latino Psychosocial and Health Problems: Theory, Practice, and Populations(CourseSmart)

The most current and relevant best practices for working with diverse groups within Latino culture It is estimated that in just two generations, the United States will follow Mexico with the second largest Latino population in the world. Optimistic and timely, Solving Latino Psychosocial and Health Problems addresses the social welfare of this important ethnic community. Noted expert Kurt Organista employs a practice-oriented approach to addressing the interwoven psychosocial and health-related concerns that impact this community and offers thoughtful and much-needed solutions. This important book realistically considers the Latino community's imposing and rapidly growing population size, complex set of challenging issues, and the tremendous diversity between and within each major U.S. Latino group. Section I applies a series of highly relevant frameworks to deepen your understanding of the historical and current cultural and social experiences of diverse Latino populations in the United States, ending with a unique practice model for working with Latinos. Section II provides detailed illustrations of the best and most promising practices for working with various Latino populations. A must-read for practitioners, students, and policy makers, Solving Latino Psychosocial and Health Problems richly embraces the distinctness of the wide range of Latino ethnic identities in the United States and provides a practical and thought-provoking resource relevant to a broad range of helping professionals.

Table of Contents:
Foreword by Doman Lum ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xxi About the Author xxiii Part I Essential Social Science Theories, Frameworks, and Research to Enhance Culturally Competent Practice 1 The Americanization of Latinos: Patterns of Acculturation and Adaptation in the United States 3 2 The Social Stratification of Latino Ethnicity, Power, and Social Welfare in the United States 39 3 Latino Ethnic Identity: Psychological Impacts of Structured Inequality 65 4 Diversity within Latinos: Subgroups, Identities, and Social Welfare 93 5 A New Practice Model for Working with Latinos 119 Part II Selective Reviews of Major Problem Areas, Latino Groups, and Best and Promising Practices 6 The Latino Family 141 7 Latino Youth 181 8 Latino Mental Health 215 9 Latino Health 245 10 Latino Power: Political Participation, Policy Benefit, and the Role of Service Providers 283 Epilogue: Adelante-Proceeding Forward 321 Author Index 323 Subject Index 333

About the Author :
Kurt C. Organista, PHD, is an Associate Professor of Social Welfare at the University of California at Berkeley. A bilingual and bicultural Mexican American born and raised in predominantly Latino East Los Angeles, he brings a sensitive insider's perspective to his scholarly analysis of Latino social welfare. He is a nationally recognized expert in HIV/AIDS prevention with Mexican/Latino migrant laborers and serves on the National Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.