Latino Soldiers & Politics Research Project
The Latino Soldiers & Politics Research Project is investigating how military service influences Latino identity, political engagement, and citizenship among Latino soldiers in the five main branches of the U.S. Military. This research is led by Julio Cedillo, an undergraduate student researcher at UC Berkeley, and advised by Professor Rodríguez-Muñiz. If you're interested in participating, please refer to the "Participation" tab. This research is made possible through funding provided by the Haas Scholars Program and the Berkeley Center for Right-Wing Studies.
| Goal | Method | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| This project examines the impact of military service on the identity and political engagement of Latino soldiers. It also seeks to understand how military service creates ideas of citizenship and how Latinos are perceived in American society | This project utilizes in-depth interviewing. This involves speaking with Latino soldiers to understand their cultural upbringing, decision to enlist, experiences in the military, patriotism, and self-perception, as well as their voting and political identification. | We hope that understanding the changes that Latino soldiers undergo will reveal whether they change or affirm political preferences through the military, and how those changes either reflect the current political engagement of Latinos or stray from political preconceptions. Subsequently, we hope to understand how military service is utilized for citizenship purposes for Latino recognition as Americans. Additionally, we hope to contribute to military sociology and provide contemporary insights into the state of Latino soldiers today, as much research on Latino soldiers tends to be historical. |
Informational Meetings
Are you unsure about any information on the website? You can schedule a quick 15-minute meeting with Julio and ask additional questions you may have. Please note that this is not an official interview; your information or meeting cannot and will not be recorded. This provides you with the opportunity to speak with the lead researcher one-on-one and get answers to questions you may have.
Are you unsure about any information on the website? You can schedule a quick 15-minute meeting with Julio and ask additional questions you may have. Please note that this is not an official interview; your information or meeting cannot and will not be recorded. This provides you with the opportunity to speak with the lead researcher one-on-one and get answers to questions you may have.