Previous research has considered Mexican Americans as a homogeneous group in studies relating to education and career decision-making of adolescents. In a study of 22 Mexican American adolescents, using an interview format, results report similarities between lower and middle income Mexican American youth in occupational expectations and in value-orientations which are not characteristic of traditionalism. Findings indicate differences between the two groups in educational expectations, degree of certainty, effects of the familial environment, and in hope of success for the future. Both lower and middle income youth respond to parental influence no matter how close the relationship, but parental expectations, possibly affected by perceptions of inaccessible mobility, are. lower for lower income youth. Responses from youth in both groups indicate their counseling needs, in particular those related to the world of work, are not presently being met in public schools
