Advocating for Social Change: A Critical Ethnography Exploring Health Disparities among Latina-o Immigrant Farmworkers

The purpose of this critical ethnographic study was to explore health disparities among Latina/o immigrant farmworkers' lived experiences. A gatekeeper was used to select and inform the participants in this research study. Data were collected through testimonios (oral testimonies) from structured interviews with eight Latina/o documented/undocumented immigrant farmworkers who worked in agriculture for at least three years and were over the age of eighteen.

There were various findings related to the health disparities experienced by Latina/o immigrant farmworkers were identified: (a) structural barriers, (b) social barriers, (c) socioeconomic barriers, (d) cultural barriers, and (e) fostering social change through lived experiences. The findings corroborated the testimonios shared by participants regarding their health disparities experienced on the farms. Although participants experienced inadequate working environments and health disparities on farms, most explained how social environmental change has been implemented on farms throughout the years that have improved their well-being.

However, advocacy groups need to create a safe space through agency for Latina/o immigrant farmworkers. The study results indicated that fostering social change among Latina/o immigrant farmworkers was needed to prevent health disparities for this group. According to participants' lived experiences, there has been some improvement in their healthcare and environmental work conditions. This study also found that social advocacy groups need to develop methods to create a safe space for this group.

Although social advocacy groups reach out to this group via radio, bulletin boards, and newsletters, they need to take greater initiative to create welcoming environments and safer spaces. The Latina/o immigrant farmworker population will continue to increase in numbers and continue to contribute to agriculture in California in future years. Therefore, public policies affecting this group's well-being must be reformed in agricultural communities to minimize health disparities.