The Politics of Perception: An Investigation of the Presence and Sources of Perceptions of Internal Discrimination Among Latinos

Abstract

Objective. This study tests the assumption that perceptions of discrimination are driven by experiences with discrimination from outside groups, largely the non-Hispanic White population. Method. Utilizing data from 2002 Kaiser/Pew Latino National Survey of Latinos we explore the presence and motivating factors of perceptions of internal discrimination among the Latino population in the United States through descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis. Results. We find that 84 percent of Latinos in the survey sample believe that Latino internal discrimination is problematic, and also find support for our theories that perceptions of internal discrimination are greater for those who are less integrated into US society, as well as Latinos who self-identify as Black racially. Conclusion. Findings from this research contribute to our understanding of Latino group identity and will have tremendous implications on the measurement and application of perceived discrimination in future studies.

Keywords: Latino/a, discrimination, race, identity