Latina/os, Skin Tone, and Colorblind Ideology Adherence

• In Event: 452 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 03. Racialization

Abstract

Does the privilege associated with light skin inform Latina/os’ racial attitudes? Are light Latina/os more likely to believe that race is mostly unimportant and unworthy of conversation in the U.S.? Are they less likely to express support for government policies that aim to redress racial and ethnic inequality? These are the primary questions that this study addresses. Answers to these questions will help inform where and how Latina/os fit in the U.S. racial hierarchy, and whether or not we should expect some subgroups of Latina/os to mirror Whites or Blacks in their racial ideologies. In this study, I use the 2006 Portraits of American Life Study (PALS) to analyze colorblind ideology adherence among Latina/os in the U.S. Further, I examine whether or not skin-tone, socioeconomic status, and the interaction between the two are associated with colorblind ideology adherence.

Author

• Nicholas Vargas, University of Florida