This book explores race relations between Mexican Americans and Anglo Americans in "Middlewest," a fictitious name for an actual rural Idaho community with the highest proportion of Mexican Americans in the state. Many Mexican Americans in this predominantly agricultural area are current or former migrant workers. The first chapter describes field research methodology and theoretical models. A racial definition of Mexican Americans is favored over an ethnic one as fitting better with Mexican Americans' continued subordinate social status. Over 350 in-depth interviews provide information in chapters 2-7 on businesses, community leaders, and conservative values in the Anglo community; small town life; the local newspaper; Mexican American culture, family life, social traits, food, music, fiestas, family celebrations, housing, and language attitudes and usage; assimilation and successful Mexican Americans; poverty; Mexican American organizations, leaders, and resistance to oppression; Anglo working class and Anglo farmers; working class Mexican Americans; and migrant workers and their problems. The radical exploitive model in chapter 8 frames a discussion of institutionalized racism, in which all social institutions operate, intentionally or unintentionally, to deny opportunities to Mexican Americans, sustain a deviant image of Mexican Americans, and maintain their subordinate status. Although economic, political, and criminal justice institutions are culpable, the public schools play a primary role in maintaining inequality. Chapter 9, "The Education Institution," documents derogatory attitudes and behavior of teachers and administrators that lead to a Mexican American dropout rate of approximately 50 percent. The final chapter summarizes elements contributing to intolerance in Middlewest and makes recommendations for improving community relations. Contains 152 references, an index, and photographs. (SV)