The Hispanic Population of the United States.

Abstract

This Census Bureau study examines the social demographic and ethnic diversity among the Hispanic groups in the US. Chapter 1 considers the meaning of Hispanic ethnicity with brief historical vignettes on the incorporation of each of the 3 major groups into US society. Chapter 2 is devoted to defining the population and to providing a critical discussion of the data used to portray changes in the characteristics of Hispanic origin peoples. While this discussion is based largely on data from the 1980 census attention is also given to 1960 and 1970 census data to identify the strengths and limitations of the items used to enumerate the Spanish origin population over time. It also considers how changes in enumeration practices and in definitions of specific items limit the accuracy of measurement and especially the representation of temporal change. The remainder of the book is dedicated to compiling a comprehensive profile of the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the Hispanic origin populations emphasizing the vast diversity among them through comparisons of Mexicans Puerto Ricans and Cubans; Central/South Americans; and where appropriate blacks and non-Hispanic whites. The book is organized by subject matter rather than by nationality. The analyses begin with a demographic profile in chapter 3 which considers the size of the population as well as its changing age and sex composition rates of growth and residential distribution. Since the rapid growth of the population has resulted from both high fertility and high rates of immigration during the 1960s and 1970s separate chapters are devoted to each of these topics. Another chapter considers the marriage patterns and living arrangements of Hispanic origin groups. 3 additional chapters examine the educational labor market and economic well-being of the population. Other topics of special importance to Hispanic origin groups such as linguistic practices are not covered in extensive detail as separate chapters but rather are discussed in conjunction with the topics considered above. A final brief chapter reiterates in synopsis form the major conclusions of the study.