Assessing the Status of Hispanic Americans Using Census Data

In this exercise, you will use U.S. Census data to gather information about all Hispanic Americans and a Latino group of your own choosing. This project adds to the information you gathered for the Internet Research Projects in Chapter 6 and 7. You already have information for the total population, African Americans, and Native Americans. Now, you will add information for all Hispanic Americans and the group you selected. You will then use course concepts to assess and analyze this information and place it in the context of this text.

1. Go to the official U.S. Census Bureau website at www.census.gov

2. Click “Data” from the list of options at the top of the home page and then click “Data Tools and Apps” 

3. Click “The American Fact Finder” – the top selection in the list on the page that opens

4. On the next page,

   • Click “Advanced Search”

   • Click “Show Me All”

5. On the next page, in the box in the middle of the page,

   • Click the button next to “Race/Ethnicity”

   • Type Hispanic American in the box under “race, ancestry, or tribe.” As you type, some suggested group names will appear.  Click on “Hispanic or Latino (of any race)”

   • Click “Go”

6. The next screen will list a number of datasets. Look in the right-hand column and find the data set called 2012 ACS 3-year estimates. Click on “Selected Population Profile in the United States” for this data set

7. The Population Profile for Hispanic Americans will appear. Scroll down the table until you get to “Educational Attainment,” “Employment Status,” “Income in the Past 12 Months,” “Poverty Rates for Families and People …,”  and “Housing Tenure.” Add the information to the table.  Data for the “Total Population” have already been entered.

   • NEW VARIABLE: Note that a new variable variable (Median Income for Full time, year round workers for Males and Females) has been added. For your convenience, scores for the total population, African Americans, and Native Americans have been added. These scores are from the 2012 3-year estimates Population Profile.

   • ADDING YOUR OWN VARIABLE: As you review the Population Profile, look for an additional variable that might add to your understanding of Hispanic Americans and other minority groups. Avoid variables that have been used in Chapter 8. Note the score for Hispanic Americans and, if you wish, find scores for the total population, African Americans, and Native Americans.

8. When you have entered all data, use your browser’s “Back” button to return to the previous screen.

9. Find the “Your Selections” box in the upper left of the screen and click the “x” next to “Hispanic and Latino… .” You will be returned to selection screen

10. The button next to “race/ancestry” should still be checked. If not, click on it to re-select it.

11. Type the name of your specific Latino group in the box and in the table below. See Table 8.1 for a list of groups or select your own. As you type the group name, some suggested group names may appear. If you are given a choice, select “Alone or in combination … “

12. Click “Go” and repeat steps 6 and 7 for this group#[1]

NOTE: THESE VARIABLES ARE SIMILAR BUT NOT IDENTICAL TO THOSE USED IN CHAPTER 8

Questions for Research Discussion:

1. What stage of Gordon’s model of assimilation (see Exhibit 2.1) do the variables in the table measure?

2. Using the Blauner hypothesis (see Chapter 4), we can say that both American Indians and African Americans are “colonized or conquered” minority groups. Hispanic Americans, on the other hand, are a mixture of colonized and immigrant origins, as well as a combination of ethnic and racial groups. What would the Blauner hypothesis predict about the relative status of these groups in American society? Does the evidence in the table support the prediction? How?

3. What important differences do you see between all Hispanic American and the subgroups you selected? Which is closer to national patterns? To African Americans and American Indians? What are some possible reasons for these patterns? For example, are the differences related to the timing of the group’s immigration? What “human capital” does the group bring that might help account for the differences?