National Survey of Latinos, 2002 : Summary of Findings.

Pew Hispanic Center, 1919 M Street, N.W., Suite 460, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 202-292-3300; Fax: 202-0785-8282; Web site: http://www.pewhispanic.org.

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Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Menlo Park, CA.

Access to Health Care; Acculturation; Cultural Differences; Economic Status; Ethnicity; Family Attitudes; Family Income; Financial Needs; Hispanic Americans; Immigrants; Racial Discrimination; Religion

This paper presents data from a 2002 survey of Hispanic American adults. Overall, the Hispanic population held an array of attitudes, values, and beliefs that were distinct from those of non-Hispanic whites and blacks. However, there was no single, homogeneous Latino opinion. A diversity of views existed among Latinos, with differences between foreign born and native born and between English dominant and Spanish dominant most notable. Immigrants held a wide range of views on matters like gender roles, abortion, and homosexuality that were somewhat more conservative than those of non-Hispanic Whites. Native-born Latinos, including children of immigrants, expressed attitudes that were more squarely within the range of views voiced by non-Hispanics. Still, some elements of social conservatism (particularly a strong attachment to family) were evident among Latinos who predominantly spoke English and were generations removed from the immigrant experience. Immigration was important in shaping Latinos' sense of social identity. Respondents overwhelmingly felt that discrimination against Latinos was a problem in both general and specific settings. Most noted that discrimination by Hispanics against other Hispanics was a problem. Latinos reported a weaker financial situation than whites and were more likely than whites or blacks to report being without health insurance. (SM)

2003

ED475899