The Social Production of Latino Invisibility: Rethinking Metrics and Methodologies of Representation

• In Event: Rethinking the Status Quo: Toward a More Equitable Future of Latina/o Sociology

Abstract

In spite of being a large, growing, and young population, the Latino story has remained incomplete and invisible for far too long. Several factors contribute to this incompleteness and invisibility. In particular, commonly used metrics of social, economic, educational, and legal conditions obscure the full Latino story. Latinos are a diverse and complex population with many political, ethnic, ideological, racial, economic, educational, familial, and cultural variations. This paper examines some of the causes and consequences of Latinos’ incomplete narrative and the accompanying invisibility of their contributions and challenges in U.S. society. We propose both methodological and research directions to better assess the Latino community’s current socioeconomic conditions, project their future trajectory, and to inform policy and resource-allocation decisions.

Authors

• Isabel Anadon, University at Buffalo

• Noreen M. Sugrue, The Latino Policy Forum