Work

Designing Research with Care: A Critical Race Nepantlera Methodological Approach to Rural Latinx College Access

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research has widely documented the lack of educational resources and opportunities available to rural communities. Cognizant of the structural and spatial barriers facing rural communities, this study intentionally employed a critical race nepantlera methodology (CRNM) to mitigate the adverse effects of living in geographically isolated, systemically underinvested rural areas. Rather than perpetuating a false notion of objectivity in research, the research team actively supported rural Latinx students in accessing higher education through a CRNM research design, which prioritizes the well-being of research collaborators over the study. In enacting a CRNM approach, the research team demonstrated care while increasing students’ access to higher education by (a) logistically supporting college application completion, (b) emotionally validating college concerns and pursuits, and (c) building bridges to institutional resources. Implications for rural-serving schools and rural educational researchers are discussed based on deep values of care and relationality in rural communities.

Source: The rural educator

DOI: 10.55533/2643-9662.1632

Authors: Mayra Puente, Lupita Romo-González, Marlene López Torres, Melissa Romero

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, University of California, Davis

Language: English

Topic: Critical Race Theory in Education

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: American Association of University Women