THE ROLE OF THE BODEGA IN A UNITED-STATES PUERTO-RICAN COMMUNITY

The present study examines the neighborhood grocery store, or "bodega," through a personal interview survey conducted among bodega owners and managers in a Puerto Rican barrio in Philadelphia. We attempt to update and build on Kizilbash and Garman's research on grocery retailing in Hispanic neighborhoods conducted over fifteen years ago. A matched sample of Anglo grocery retailers was surveyed as well, supplemental by responses from Hispanic and Anglo consumers. Along with providing a nearby location for convenient purchases, the bodega was found to serve the important role of maintaining Latin culture.