Latinos

Multiple Identities

The term Latino, like other forms of ethnic identity, has multiple meanings. The term also has multiple definitions and possible origins. The most commonly agreed definition suggests it refers to people with Latin American origins. However, it can also take into account those individuals who may have come from Spain or Portugal. Generally speaking, “Latinos” refers to Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, El Salvadorans, Guatemalans, Costa Ricans, Colombians, Argentine, Spaniards, and Chileans.

The term Latino is also confused with the term Hispanic. It is not unusual to see both terms used to describe the same group. The popular media tend to use the term Hispanic, rather than Latino. Even competing magazines attempt to draw interest among readers using either “Latino” or “Hispanic” in their magazine titles.

A survey conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center found that the term Latino or Hispanic is not used exclusively. According to the survey results, only 24 percent of Latinos or Hispanics identify with either term. In short, Latino and Hispanic are complex concepts and any attempt at making either a definitive form of identity is problematic.

For non-Latinos, the term is even more confusing. However, there is tremendous diversity among Latinos. The diversity of Latinos can be by area of settlement, social class, racial features, or identity. For example, the difficulty of only using one form of identity dilutes the comparative differences. Researchers who examine Latinos can make similar mistakes. Rather than accounting for the differences among Latinos, lumping them into one category results in limited [Page 1334]research conclusions. Accounting for diversity helps define how Latinos are different than other racial or ethnic groups.

Demographics and Latinos

The term Latino is becoming one form of identity used to describe the growing population of ethnic groups from Mexico and Latin America. Since 1965, the changes in the immigration laws of the United States have increased the number of migrants from Mexico and Latin America. Also, immigration has surged because of economic development in Mexico and Latin America. Mexico and Brazil are among the leaders of Latin American countries rapidly industrializing. One of the results of industrialization has been increased population growth. Because of the lack of well-paying jobs, which does not match the population surge, out-migration for Latino immigrants led to settlement throughout the United States. Now, all 50 U.S. states have a Latino presence.

...