Both Mexican American and Anglo students in four Corpus Christi (Texas) high schools seek membership in various subcultures according to which one recognizes them as being socially competent and respectable human beings. Data consist of life history interviews, observations, and questionnaire responses from over 600 youth. Mexican American students have more difficulties conforming to the "official" norms of the school and society than Anglos, although they are no less likely to embrace those norms as ideal. Also, Mexican American youth are more likely to be denied the respect and esteem of their peers and their teachers. Faced with the need to adapt to the reality of the school environment, members of both Mexican American and Anglo groups, however, tend to become identified with one of six subcultures: "preppies," college bound children of professionals; "kickers," cowboys with little concern for school; "achievement motivated strivers," working class youth dedicated to upward mobility; "dues payers," working class youth who are serious and respectful, but who do not do well in school; "good timers," who pay little attention to school norms; and Chicanos, who refuse to conform to the norms of middle class Anglo society. (KC)