| Privileged Mexicans--first generation elite Mexican immigrants living in the United States-Mexican border--are herein described in terms of their cultural capital. Levels of assimilation are explored. A greater knowledge of this group, not yet fully appreciated in the literature, may advance sociological knowledge in a transitional region. The sample comprises wealthy, professional business people, architects, physicians, academicians, socialites, writers, artists and their families. Facilitated through interviews in Spanish, participant observation, and a detailed questionnaire, the study examines their attitudes toward South Texas, toward Mexican Americans, and evaluates the process of their integration into the community. Questions focus on religion, education, language, friendship ties, economic and institutional connections. Data gathered about privileged Mexicans suggest difficulties in relating to the masses, especially with Mexican Americans, and raise doubts about original suppositions about their potential influence. |
