Mexican Americans and Cities: A Study in Migration and the Use of Formal Resources *

Abstract

The paper explores the circumstances under which Los Angeles Mexican American men turn to formal or informal, Mexican or non-Mexican resources. Formal sources are most likely to be utilized for advice or help in dealing with the city government, second with regard to money problems, third with regard to politics, and least likely for personal problems. Formalization of resources is associated with length of residence in the city, but birthplace shows a different pattern. The data do not support the theoretical notion that urbanization is associated with abandonment of primary-group resources for this population. In fact, native Angelenos, with greater access to “cheaper” gemeinschaft resources, tend to adhere to them. The findings have implications for theories of urbanism as well as understanding of Mexican Americans.