Running Head: Latino Culture

Latino Culture In America Kellei Lee Race, Ethnicity, Gender & Diversity February 8th, 2014 Saturday

Abstract
This research focuses on the Latino Community and the dynamics of Cultural aspects surrounding this population. The U.S. Census Bureau projects one in every four U.S. residents will be of Latino origin by the year 2050. This research paper examines the rapid increase of Latinos in the U.S., diversity of Latino culture, difficulties that Latinos face in the United States, cultural considerations, familismo and personalismo. Each dynamics places emphasis on strengths and weaknesses with this population.

Who are Latinos?
In the United States, there seems to be confusion when differentiating between the terms “Latino” and “Hispanic”. In fact, prior to the year 2000, the United States Census Bureau did not include the term Latino. Beginning in the year 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau identified people from both of these groups as “Hispanic or Latino of any race”. According to Granados(2000), based on a survey of 1200 registered Latino voters, people who prefer the term Hispanic are more conservative and young, while those that prefer the term Latino tend to be more liberal and older. The difference between the two terms depends on personal differences and preferences. For purposes of this paper, the term Latino will be used broadly to include all individuals that are characterized by the U.S Census Bureau as “Hispanic or Latino of any race. Knowing the Population
Latinos originate from more than 20 different countries, speak different dialects of Spanish, and have varying socio- cultural backgrounds (Rolon, 2005). Latinos often come to the United States for many reasons, including social or political instability, violence, and lack of jobs in their countries (Rolon). While some Latinos are newly arrived immigrants, others have been in the United States for several generations. While 72% of first-generation Latinos speak Spanish as their primary language, 78% of third and older generations use English their primary language (Rolon). Population Statistics
According to the 2000 U.S Census Bureau, of the 281.4 million residents of the United States, excluding the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Island areas, 35.5 million, or 12.5% were Latino. For the first time, the Latino portion of the population surpassed the African American population as the largest minority group in the United States. From the year 1990 to the year 2000, the Latino population grew from 22.4 million to 35.3 million, an increase of nearly 58 percent. According to the American Community Survey presented by the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 40.5 million U.S. residents identifying as Latino of any race” in 2004.
According to the 2010 U.S Census Bureau, of the 308.7 million residents of the United States, excluding the commonwealth of Puerto Rico and U.S. Island areas, 50.5 million or 16% was Latino origin. The Latino population increased 35.3 million in 2000 when this group made up 13 percent of the total Population. According to The U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population increased by 15.2 million between 2000 and 2010, counting for over half of the 27.3 million increased in the total population by of the United States. Between 2000 and 2010 the Latino population grew by 43 percent, which was four times the growth in the total population of 10 percent. By the year 2050, it is projected that one in every four U.S. Residents will be of Latino origin (Roncevic, 2005).
The Latino population is extremely diverse, coming from various backgrounds. Based on the 2010 census statics, 63 percent of the