Over the past two decades peoples of Hispanic descent have had an increasing impact on the ethnic, socioeconomic, and demographic features of the U.S. population. This book draws together evidence from the 1980 census, earlier censuses, and other sources to portray the changing position of Hispanics in a complex and multiethnic society. Roughly…

Currently, the interest in the Latino literature written in the United States has been growing steadily. Many colleges and universities offer specific courses in these literatures, and their content varies from a concentration on a specific culture group to a more inclusive attempt to group all Latino writers under the same umbrella. This paper…

Defining "little" cultural traditions as those customs, behaviors and attitudes of ordinary people involved in the day-to-day problems of living and survival, this article traces the origins, historic influences and general characteristics of Hispanic culture and of its Mexican, Puerto Rican and Cuban subcultures. (DS)

Feelings of stigma and self-blame were studied among 62 Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican mothers of 4- to 10-year-old children with disruptive behaviors. Data were collected and analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Results indicated that 42% blamed themselves for their children's behaviors, and 39% felt stigmatized by others.…

This publication is one of a series summarizing recent research on adolescent drug abuse and its prevention. The report provides an overview of research and reviews its implications for dealing with substance abuse among Latino youth, placing new information in the context of past findings. Research has shown that drug use patterns in several…

The Hispanic population's growing impact on American society has caused the Ford Foundation to explore new Foundation initiatives. The 1980 census revealed 14.6 million Hispanics: 60% Mexican American; 14% Puerto Rican; 6% Cuban, and 20% Other. The Hispanic population in the United States is growing and is characterized by diversity; rapid growth…

The Hispanic population in the United States is growing in numbers, is characterized by diversity, and its growing impact on American society has caused the Ford Foundation to explore new Foundation initiatives. The 1980 census counted 14.6 million Hispanics on the U.S. mainland: 60% Mexican American, 14% Puerto Rican, 6% Cuban, and 20% other. The…

Data from the Latino National Political Survey were used to examine respondents' use of primary and secondary ethnic identifications. "Hispanic" ethnicity was found to be neither simply instrumental nor cultural but rather a complex phenomenon, differing by many demographic characteristics and by use of panethnicity as a primary or…

Hispanics are a diverse group with considerable differences in country of origin, social class, race, educational status, and level of assimilation. Nonetheless, what does characterize all the major groups except the Cubans, albeit in varying intensities, are high levels of poverty and low levels of educational achievement. Cultural differences…

This paper focuses on sociological and demographic characteristics of Hispanics, particularly Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans living in the United States. Sections are organized around data tables and figures (based primarily on 1990 census data), with explanatory text, and cover minority populations in the United States, Latino…

An investigation of gender differences in political and social attitudes among Latinos (Mexican Americans, Cubans, and Puerto Ricans) found evidence for a Latino gender gap on attitudes toward social welfare issues and women's social and political roles. Contains 38 references. (LP)

This paper suggests that "Hispanic" populations are a diverse category. An undifferentiated comparison of the groups only creates a comparative "ecological" fallacy, which contributes to the creation of stereotypes rather than understanding. Each population must be placed within its appropriate historical, regional, and…

An analysis was done of federal statistics to explore the relationship between Hispanic Americans' dropout rates and migration. An analysis of November 1989 data revealed that among 16- to 24-year-olds Hispanic American dropout rates are 3 times higher than those for non-Hispanic Americans. In looking at the impact of immigration on Hispanic…

Reviews research and data on the factors influencing the lives of Hispanic women in the United States. Considers differences between Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban American women and differences between Anglo and Hispanic family norms. Also discusses labor force participation. (KH)

Examines low levels of Latino political participation using data from the Latino National Political Survey. Emphasizes differences among Latino subgroups (Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban) when analyzing voter participation. Shows that socioeconomic factors, such as education and income, may be mitigated by life-cycle effect variables, and all are…