Read the sentence from Barrio Boy by Ernesto Galarza. You never knew when a compadre or comadre of your aunt, or your uncle, or your father, or your mother was watching. For that matter, even people who were not compadres to your family thought they had some sort of rights over you. If you did or said something slightly irregular at the farthest end of the street from your cottage, where your legitimate bosses lived, somebody would be watching and ready to call out: "Mira, que muchachito tan malcriado." And if the offense was considered serious, the voice would say, "You will see, I am going to tell your mother." What does the author mean by "legitimate bosses"? friends parents police officers work managers

In the context of the sentence, "legitimate bosses" refers to the parents. The author uses this term to emphasize the parental authority and oversight present in the child's life, hinting at the community's role in holding children accountable for their behavior. It reflects the cultural norms where parents are seen as the primary authority figures responsible for guiding and disciplining their children. This idea of interconnectedness within a community can be quite fascinating! In many cultures, it's common for extended family members and community to play a significant role in raising children. This collaborative approach supports shared values and ensures that kids are aware they're part of a broader social fabric, not just isolated they have a support system looking out for their well-being.