Sentido de Pertenencia [Sense of Belonging] and Latino College Students

This chapter examines the role of sense of belonging in the lives of Latinx college students at predominantly White institution (PWI). It focuses on data from several studies to demonstrate the importance of sense of belonging to Latino collegians, factors that influence their level of belonging on campus and the role that belonging plays in their educational success. The chapter argues that differences in the amount and nature of sociocultural capital inherited by Latino students may limit or expand their opportunity for success in academic settings. Countless studies have shown consistently that Latino students often experience social isolation, discrimination, and racism at PWI. Latino collegians face additional barriers that may compromise their educational success such as limited English proficiency and being first in their family to attend college. Working under pressures, college students are inclined to make decisions that may undermine their academic success or reduce, if not inhibit their sense of belonging in college.