Climate Change and the Field of Farm Labor in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Author

Cody Richard Mortell, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences

First Advisor

Anna Erwin

Second Advisor

Dongkyu Kim

Third Advisor

Marla Perez-Lugo

Abstract

Farm workers in the United States are often vulnerable to adverse impacts of climate change, particularly extreme heat. This study explores farm workers’ climate change perceptions (CCP) as a mediating force in climate adaptation. Using latent class analysis, in-person survey data (n=404) from Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX (2024) and NOAA data were analyzed. Results were interpreted using Bourdieu’s field analysis framework and his notions of capital and symbolic power. Findings include: a social hierarchy with three latent classes of workers based on economic, cultural, social, and symbolic capital, which statistically significantly affected CCP. Workers in higher structural positions were more likely to recognize increasing hot days and view climate change as a serious threat. Results suggest CCP is embodied cultural capital rather than simply an acquisition of information. Implications for climate adaptation are discussed.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Cody Richard Mortell. https://proquest.com/docview/3240612203

Recommended Citation

Mortell, C. R. (2025). Climate Change and the Field of Farm Labor in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1723