Immigrant-Origin Latinx Youths' Civic Engagement and the Impact of the 2020 Election

• In Event: Youth Power, Politics, and Activism in Democratic Citizenship Education

Abstract

Both the Latinx population and anti-immigrant sentiment are currently on the rise in the U.S.; in response, this study explored how Latinx, immigrant-origin youth understand the current political climate and how it impacts their political and civic engagement. Drawing on a claims-making framework that centers citizens’ ability to voice their concerns to create change, this study analyzes data collected from interviews with 39 Latinx, immigrant-origin young adults. In response to the divisive political discourse of the 2020 election cycle, we found our participants’ corresponding civic and political engagement to be bifurcated at best, with some describing high levels of empathy-motivated engagement and others reporting civic apathy. Findings suggest a potential lever for improving civic and political engagement among Latinx youth.

Authors

• Claudia Ochoa, University of Texas-Austin

• Rebecca M. Callahan, University of Vermont

• Kathryn M. Obenchain, Purdue University

• Julieta Rico, The University of Texas at Austin

• Maria de los Angeles Desantos Quezada, The University of Texas at Austin