UC San Diego

In my thesis I examine the role that soccer plays in the formation of identity, specifically within the Mexican diaspora in Southern California. For years scholars have researched, battled, and even gone on self-healing journeys on what it means to be a Mexican, specially within the confines of the U.S.. Although research has been done that ties the two, most have been attempts to solely view the sport as a means to fit in, assimilate, or to even cope living in this country; however, few have spoken on the ways the sport has been used purposely as a way of preventing and combating full concepts of Americanization. This thesis sheds light into that resistance and in the constant battle Chicanxs face to stay grounded to their ethic roots.