Braceros

/brəˈseɪroʊz/ noun

Definition

Plural of bracero; multiple Mexican or Latin American temporary laborers or migrant farmworkers.

Etymology

Plural of 'bracero,' formed with the Spanish -s ending. This group noun gained prominence during the mid-20th century Bracero Program between Mexico and the United States.

Kelly Says

Over 4.6 million braceros worked in the U.S. between 1942-1964, making it one of the largest guest-worker programs ever—their labor literally built American agriculture during WWII.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of bracero; the term historically refers almost exclusively to male workers in the U.S.-Mexico bracero program (1942-1964), erasing the presence and labor of women farmworkers who worked under similar conditions without formal recognition.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'agricultural workers' or 'migrant workers' for inclusive reference. For historical discussions, 'bracero program participants' clarifies the population while acknowledging gender exclusions in the program itself.

Inclusive Alternatives

["agricultural workers","migrant workers","farm laborers","seasonal workers"]

Empowerment Note

The bracero program deliberately excluded women from its formal structure despite their substantial participation in agricultural labor, perpetuating erasure that continues in historical narratives.

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