Stereotypes of Mexican Descent Persons

Abstract

Three generations of Mexican American adolescents and Anglo Americans rated persons of Mexican descent living in the United States in terms of both positive and negative stereotypes. In general, Anglo American subjects held significantly less favorable stereotypes of Mexican descent persons than any of the three Mexican American groups. However, a significant linear trend for both positive and negative group stereotypes indicated that with each successive generation (first through third), the stereotypes of Mexican Americans approached the less favorable image held by Anglo Americans. Results are discussed in terms of a two-dimensional model that includes the dual effects of Anglo American prejudice and the degree to which Mexican Americans retain an identification with their traditional culture.

Adolescents' reference-group choices, self-esteem, and adjustment.

“…Although most parents had lived in the United States longer than 10 years, we do not know about preceding generations. Examining reference-group labeling in a sample that differs by generational status may confound reference-group labeling and immigrant status (Buriel & Vasquez, 1982). Further research must evaluate the degree to which this has occurred.…”

Socio‐biographical Antecedents of Intercultural Effectiveness: The Neglected Factors1

“…Brigham, 1971;Buriel and Vasquez, 1982;Casas et al, 1987;Cauthen et al, 1971;Collier and Thomas, 1988;Davies and Turner, 1984;Oliver and Vaughan, 1991;Wilson and Lavelle, 1990). For example, research evidence has shown that on social behaviours that are quite intimate, some people are more likely to reject others on the basis of race (Triandis and Davis, 1965).…”

Perceptions of Intragroup Rejection and Coping Strategies: Malleable Factors Affecting Hispanic Adolescents’ Emotional and Academic Outcomes

“…However, ability to speak Spanish also becomes a source of ingroup discrimination when new immigrants use it as an opportunity for downward comparison. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that negative stereotypes of Hispanics are endorsed by third generation Hispanics almost at the same level as by Caucasians (Buriel and Vasquez 1982). Perhaps, for these adolescents, neither members of their culture of origin nor the mainstream society at large provide them with a sense of connection and group belongingness.…”