Author Date

2023-03-17

Degree Name

Department

History

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2023-03-09

Publication Date

2023-03-17

First Faculty Advisor

Dr. David-James Gonzales

First Faculty Reader

Dr. Rebecca de Schweinitz

Honors Coordinator

Dr. Daren Ray

Keywords

Latina, Chicano, Chicana Feminism, Chicano Movement, Feminism, Latina Activism

Abstract

In 1973, Mujeres Latinas en Acción was formed in the midst of the Chicano Movement. Simultaneously, Chicana feminists were working in and breaking from Chicano organizations to fight for egalitarian gains. Pilsen, a neighborhood in Chicago and the home of Mujeres Latinas en Acción, was a hotbed for Chicano and Latino activism during this period. The women who founded MLEA saw similar disparities in social services offered to women in Pilsen that Chicanas around the country were noting. The ways in which Chicanas were approaching these feminist ventures varied. Based upon my studies of Mujeres Latinas en Acción, I argue that pragmatic feminism was the main driver in MLEA’s formation and methodology in carving out space for women and themselves, becoming the longest Latina-run organization in the country. The intricacy with which the organization was run was led by a distinct inclination on behalf of founders and members that was based upon Chicano and Latino culture, Women’s Liberation ideologies, and the specific needs and community of Pilsen.