Christina Gómez, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Sociology, and Latino & Latin American Studies

Office: CLS-2092, Phone:  (773) 442-4161
E-mail: C-Gomez@neiu.edu

Years at Northeastern Illinois University: 2004 to present

---

Education

Ph.D., Sociology, 1998, Harvard University

M.A., Sociology, 1994, Harvard University

M.B.A., Marketing & Behavioral Science, 1987, University of Chicago

B.A., Romance languages & Literatures, 1985, University of Chicago

Professional Interests

My research focuses on the construction of identity, specifically race and ethnicity. I also work on social inequalities, skin color discrimination, and immigration. My book (with A. Garrod and R. Kilkenny), Mi Vida, Mi Voz: Latino College Students Tell Their Stories (Cornell University Press, 2007), is an edited anthology of fifteen essays written by students about growing up Latino in this country. The essays offer insights that are both balanced and frank, blending personal, anecdotal, political, and cultural viewpoints. The unifying thread for the book is the experience of Latino students adapting, sometimes with difficulty, to a challenging educational environment and a cultural context sometimes very different from their childhood ones. Currently I am working on two projects: I am completing my manuscript on how Latinos have been racialized in the United States; and I am working with a research group at NEIU on the experience of migrant students in higher education.

Teaching Interests

Introduction to Sociology, Race & Ethnic Relations, Statistics, Sociology of the Latina, and History & Culture of Latinos in the U.S.

Recent Scholarly Publications

• "Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism: Bilingual Education and the Latino Challenge," with J. Burdick-Will, Journal of Latinos and Education, July 2006.
• "(Mis)Naming it: the lost María in the Academy," Ingrates at the Gate: People of Color in the Academy, edited by Patti Duncan, (accepted for publication).
• "Shades of Brown: Skin Color, Achievement, and Life Chances among Latinas and African American Women." Race in 21st Century America, edited by Curtis Stokes, Michigan State University Press, (forthcoming).
• "Ethnic Relations, Class, and Latino Political Participation." Journal of Latino and Latin American Studies, Spring 2004, vol 1 (2), p.19-32.
• "The Continual Significance of Skin Color: An Exploratory Study of Latinos in the Northeast" Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, February 2000, vol. 22, no.1, p. 94-103.
• "Choosing Hispanic Identity: Ethnic Identity Switching among Respondents in High School and Beyond." Social Science Quarterly, March 1998, vol.79, no. 1, p. 74-90 (with Karl Eschbach).

Recent Presentations

• "Latinos in Education," Latino Engagement Community Council, Copley Theater, Aurora, Illinois, September 23, 2007.
• "Latino vs. Hispanic," Organization of Latin American Students, University of Chicago, October 19, 2006.
• "Colorism: Global Perspectives on How Color Still Matters," Penn State University, April 20, 2006.
• "Crossing Fronteras: Successful Latino Students Tell Their Stories," Midwest Sociological Association, Omaha, NB, March 2006.
• "Diversity in the Workplace: Sharing Knowledge & Promoting Leadership," Diversity in the Workplace Planning Committee, University of Chicago, February 21, 2006.
• "Adding New Voices to the Academy: Building Capacity for Latino Faculty Candidates - The ELI Fellows Initiative," with AnaMaria Becerra, Dr. Diane Ehrlich, and Dr. Santos Rivera. 19th Annual HACU Conference, Phoenix, AZ, October 15, 2005 "Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism: Bilingual Education and the Latino Challenge" Midwest Sociological Association, Minneapolis, MN, April 2005.

Recent Professional Service

• Reviewer, Social Forces, American Sociological Review
• Member, Latin American Studies Association
• Member, Midwest Sociological Society

Recent Community Involvement

• 2007-2008 Metropolitan Leadership Institute (MLI)
• Member of Spanish Department Committee at The Ancona School
• Team Parent helper for AYSO Soccer in Hyde Park.
• Volunteer for the Hyde Park School of Ballet.

Links

• Book: Mi Voz, Mi Vida: Latino College Students Tell Their Life Stories
• Article: Assimilation Versus Multiculturalism: Bilingual Education and the Latino Challenge
• Article: Choosing Hispanic Identity: Ethnic Identity Switching among Respondents to High School and Beyond
• Article: The Continual Significance of Skin Color: An Exploratory Study of Latinos in the Northeast