Xochitl Gonzalez on Navigating the Complexities of Social Climbing For Latinos

In today’s episode of ‘Highly Relevant,’ Xochitl Gonzalez, Puerto Rican-Mexican American author of “Olga Dies Dreaming,” and staff writer for The Atlantic Magazine, joins the show as we have an in-depth discussion about her latest article, The New Case for Social Climbing, and explore the meaning of meritocracy and its impact on Latinos. Gonzalez extensively researched the topic and shared her insights in our first episode of 2023.

Listen to the podcast and read some key highlights below:

Social Climbing For Latinos

According to Xochitl Gonzalez, social climbing is a complex issue for Latinos in the United States. She notes that there are various factors that prevent them from ascending the social ladder, including a lack of resources and systemic barriers. However, she also highlights the cultural value for many Latinos in improving their social status and financial situation.

“Social climbing really is about network building, reciprocal network building, and caring for people. We’re so good at it and because so many of us come from larger extended families and we tend to remember people relationally. those are all of the same skills that are actually how things work when you get into more elite spaces.” – Xochitl Gonzalez

The Right Way To Social Climb

Xochitl believes that Latinos have a unique advantage in social climbing, as their universal love language is action. By leveraging their natural abilities, they can make meaningful connections and move up the social ladder.

It’s not a magical connection with somebody seven steps ahead of you in your career that’s going to somehow bestow upon you the Golden Goose. I think too often the misconception is if I meet the right person that’s gonna unlock the key and then everything’s gonna come my way. I think it’s not expecting something to fabricate out of thin air, it’s to see the threads that exist that you can churn and sew into a relationship, and it’s, it’s the network of relationships that is what is going to help you move forward. – Xochitl Gonzalez

How To Build Social Capital In White Spaces

Xochitl shares her insights on how to build social capital in predominantly white environments. From educational institutions to the workplace, she emphasizes the importance of establishing genuine relationships, having common interests and knowledge, and being committed in the long term.

In white spaces, the best ways to do it are usually through integrated institutions like your workplace or an alma mater, but I would also say not to discount the power of social capital building within the Latino community also at large. Sometimes all you’re asking for is information. This kind of social capital, it’s not just for opportunities, it’s also for information so that we can combat on an individual basis, like these microaggressions of discrimination.” – Xochitl Gonzalez

Key Takeaways

My conversation with Xochitl Gonzalez has hopefully shed some light on the challenges and opportunities of social climbing for Latinos. If anything, I want these main points to hit home:

1. By social climbing, people can gain access to important information and resources that would enable them to fight against discrimination and unfair treatment.
2. Developing meaningful relationships with experienced & informed people is key to success in networking and social climbing. Their advice can prove instrumental in helping you achieve your goals. Investing time in building these types of relationships is worth it as they can open many doors for you.
3. It might take a while and require patience, but working hard to become more successful in life can eventually lead to better rewards. The journey up the social ladder is not easy, but ultimately worth the effort.

Stay tuned for more informative and thought-provoking discussions. Subscribe to Highly Relevant on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.