A Study of Successful Persons from Seriously Disadvantaged Backgrounds

In this study, the attempt is made to isolate the factors that make individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds become successful. From data collected in interviews, the study concludes that "successful" and "unsuccessful" subjects differ in their memory of school life, self-esteem, loyalty to family, etc. The findings are summarized separately for each of four groups: Mexican-American A(successful), Mexican-American B(unsuccessful), Black A(successful), Black B(unsuccessful) --under the following headings: family background, peer associations, education, legal problems, work experiences, current family relationships, goals and values, aspirations, and self-image. Sharp attitudinal differences were found between the groups concerning street life, goals, and aspirations.