Mexican Americans

Harry P. Pachon and Joan W. Moore
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Harry P. Pachon: Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Joan W. Moore: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 1981, vol. 454, issue 1, 111-124

Abstract: Mexican Americans' rapid growth and com plexity compel awareness of this huge and often overlooked minority. Mexican Americans defy Census classification and color differentiation, departing sharply from the character istics of either European immigrants or black Americans. Such factors as settlement patterns, sharp discrimination and segregation, a historical lack of political opportunities, and depressed economic circumstances have made Mexican Americans one of the most distinctive groups in America today. Demographically, Mexican Americans are highly ur banized, young, disproportionately blue collar, and poor. Occupational gains are sluggish, with great sensitivity to changing economic conditions. Occupational mobility is so slow that it offers convincing evidence of a "dual labor market," trapping succeeding generations of Mexican Ameri cans. High immigration, poor education-particularly in Texas—language barriers, and divisive issues of bilingualism and biculturalism guarantee that many Mexican Americans will continue to experience poverty in the future. A hopeful sign for the future is the high level of political activity, both real and potential, now present in this community.

Date: 1981
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:anname:v:454:y:1981:i:1:p:111-124

DOI: 10.1177/000271628145400110

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