Chicanas

Women of Aztlán

Chicanas are women of Mexican descent living in the United States, particularly those who embrace a politicized ethnic identity.

The term emerged from the Chicano movement of the 1960s and 70s, emphasizing cultural pride and social justice.

Unlike the broader "Mexican American," Chicana carries connotations of activism and feminist consciousness: Chicana writers have shaped Latina literature.

The masculine form is Chicano; the gender-neutral Chicanx has recent currency.

identity

mestiza

Woman of dual ancestry

bilingualism · borderlands · Mexican-American · Southwest · identity · self-determination · belonging · roots · biculturalism · hyphenated identity

community

barrio

Hispanic urban district

quinceañera · traditions · cuisine · tamales · pan dulce · music · conjunto · corridos · muralism · lowrider

activism

Cesar Chavez

  • boycottOrganized economic protest
  • marchRhythmic group walk
  • protestPublic expression of disapproval

grassroots · civil rights · social justice · farmworker rights · labor organizing · demonstration · community organizing · solidarity · resistance · advocacy

feminism

intersectionality

Interconnected identity-based discrimination study

  • womanismBlack female-focused social theory
  • herstoryWomen-focused historical narrative
  • genderSocial identity category

matrilineal · body autonomy · reproductive justice · feminist theory · mujeres

empowerment

leadership

Ability to direct others

aspiration · mentorship · role models · achievement · education · first-generation · college access · career advancement · entrepreneurship · representation

Categories
Opposites
gender

ChicanasChicanos

Mexican-Americans embracing cultural identity

ethnic/cultural group contrast

Chicanasgringas

Foreign women, especially American

WASPs · Mexican immigrants · Anglo-Americans · European Americans

Phrases
Family

Chicana, Chicano

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Mostly American · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G