Compounding this issue are numerous myths, misunderstandings and misconceptions about the fastest growing segment of the United States population, as well as a general lack of information about the many important differences that exist among Latina/o subgroups.
Latinas/os in the United States: Changing the Face of América, a new collegiate textbook co-edited by Havidán Rodríguez, UD vice provost for academic affairs and international programs and professor of sociology, employs a multidisciplinary approach in providing a comprehensive study and analysis of the Latina/o experience, as well as the challenges and opportunities they confront in the United States.
Joining Rodríguez as co-editors of the 392-page book published by Springer, are Rogelio Sáenz, professor of sociology, Texas A & M University, and Cecilia Menjívar, associate professor of sociology, School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University.
“We wanted a multidisciplinary point of view, one that would focus on a wide variety of issues, such as religion, gender, health, migration, economic well-being and politics, among other issues,” Rodríguez said. “Previously, such textbooks have focused primarily on Mexicans, Puerto Ricans and Cubans, an approach that also lumps everybody else into the 'others' category. In reality, there are significant differences or diversity within the Latina/Latino sub-groups, including Dominicans, Columbians, Hondurans, Argentineans, Panamanians and Nicaraguans, among many others.”
The book's 24 chapters are encompassed under six sections, including theoretical and methodological issues, immigration and incorporation, social demography, schooling, work and income, culture, redefining borders and political mobilization and participation.
“Putting this book together was a great opportunity and a challenge,” Rodríguez said. “The book is a collaborative effort reflecting the contributions of more than 40 of the leading researchers and scholars in their respective fields.”
Among the goals of the book's contributors, Rodríguez said, was addressing and debunking negative myths and stereotypes about Latinas/os as being less-intelligent, more prone to be on welfare and more likely to be involved in drugs and other criminal activity than other ethnic groups.
“Latinos have made important social and economic contributions to America, as well as in the arts and in politics, to name a few, and we wanted to present an accurate portrayal of their experiences and their important roles in the United States,” Rodríguez said. “We wanted to address both the challenges and the contributions that are reflected in the diversity of the Latino population in the United States.”
“A large portion of Latinos/as maintain very close ties to their home countries, and they also make important contributions to families in these countries and in the United States,” Rodríguez said. “Given that the Latino population tends to be younger, they have different health care needs than that of non-Latino groups, whose population is aging. These factors need to be taken into account by health care institutions and public policymakers in the United States.”
Rodríguez said that the editors of Latinas/os in the United States: Changing the Face of América set forth to establish a research agenda based on the issues covered in the book and that the information presented will help inform those involved in public policymaking decisions at local, state and national levels.
“Public policy decisions made by lawmakers on issues including immigration raise questions about how the Latino community will be affected as a result of such actions,” Rodríguez said. “There are a wide variety of officials who deal with these issues, and they need to be aware of and take into account the challenges, opportunities and recommendations discussed in this book.”
The book also will be used for classes in a variety of disciplines at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, Rodríguez said.
“All of the authors have made important contributions to enhance our knowledge about the Latina/o population in the United States,” Rodríguez said. “If this book serves to dispel myths and stereotypes, while educating the general population about who Latinas/os are and the contributions they have made to our society, then, I think that we will have met our goals.”
Article by Jerry Rhodes
Photo by Kathy Atkinson