Re-evaluating inter-group dynamics in the South: Racial attitudes of Latino immigrants in Durham, NC

• In Event: 2166 - Section on Racial and Ethnic Minorities Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 13: Reception & Perceptions of Migrants

Abstract

Although scholarship on racial attitudes traditionally focuses on white-black relations, Latino immigration has started to change the demographic landscape of several areas in the United States. As a result, understanding the relationship between Latino immigrants and racial groups in their destination areas can help scholars understand the future of racial dynamics and the re-shaping of the color line. By focusing on Durham, North Carolina, this paper examines the determinants of Latinos’ racial attitudes toward whites and blacks. Results show that perceived neighborhood size works in similar ways in relation to attitudes toward both whites and blacks. At the same time, results indicate that experiences of discrimination are important determinants in shaping racial attitudes. Although this study shows support for the group threat hypothesis, it also shows that Latinos do not necessarily perceive themselves as closer to whites than to blacks.

Authors

• Angie N. Ocampo, University of Pennsylvania

• Chenoa Flippen, University of Pennsylvania