White Hegemony and Leadership Structures in Latino Congregations

• In Event: 089 - Section on Sociology of Religion Paper Session. Religion and Racial/Ethnic Inequality

Abstract

Latinos are the fastest growing racial or ethnic group in America, and Latino congregations play a unique role in the lives of their members and communities. Yet, little research has been done on these congregations. The current study provides an examination of the leadership structures and power dynamics within Latino congregations. Drawing from contemporary racial stratification literature and previous studies on religion and congregations we expect that white hegemony persists within Latino congregations where whites represent a numeric minority, regardless of the proportion of the congregation that is Latino. Multilevel models and cross-level interactions support our hypotheses. We find that whites are more likely to hold a leadership position than Latinos in Latino congregations, and their opportunity to be included in the congregational decision making process increases proportional with the proportion of Latinos in the congregation.

Authors

• Brandon C. Martinez, Baylor University

• Jeffrey A. Tamburello, Baylor University