Posted by As the Hispanic population is now one of the most significant segments in the United States, it is critical to understand their diversity and priorities. While many studies have been done on this segment, they often need to capture the complexity of Hispanic culture and identity.
Hispanics are a vulnerable group that experiences health inequities shaped by socioeconomic, ethnic, and gender factors, also known as social determinants of health (SDH) [2]. These SDH include macroeconomics, education, cultural values, income, occupation, and social support systems, including access to health care.
Demographics
The Latino population is increasing and has become the most significant minority in the United States. The Hispanic population now makes up 19% of the country’s population.
This is a significant shift from 2000, when only 13% of the nation’s population identified as Hispanic. Since then, the Hispanic population has grown by 54%.
While Mexico and Puerto Rico remain the most prominent Hispanic groups, many other national groups have large and growing populations, primarily those from Central America and South America.
As a result, many states have experienced substantial growth in their Latino populations, and some are seeing the fastest growth rates. For example, between 1990 and 2000, Nevada grew by 22 percentage points, Georgia grew four times, and North Carolina nearly quintupled.
As the Hispanic population grows, its influence will increase as it reaches adulthood and becomes a citizen. This will significantly affect education, employment, health care, and other social dimensions. These changes will also affect how American society views Latinos and incorporates them in the future.
Education
The education levels of the Hispanic population are a crucial issue for policymakers. Although Hispanics have high educational expectations, they are often disadvantaged when earning college degrees (see Figure 6-7).
In particular, Hispanics are less likely than White Americans to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher. Hispanics also have lower test scores and fewer postsecondary courses than whites.
Hispanic students are disproportionately low achievers, especially in reading and math. Even before formal schooling, Hispanic children score a standard deviation below non-Hispanic whites on the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS).
Similarly, Hispanic students are far less likely to graduate from high school than whites. The reasons for this lingering achievement gap are complex. Research suggests that both student-level factors and institutional practices play a role. Institutions need to be more aggressive in ensuring that all their students can succeed. And they need to provide more opportunities for student leaders and promote cultural diversity in their schools. These efforts are critical to increasing Hispanic participation in school and securing more well-paying jobs.
Employment
The Hispanic population is a diverse and vibrant group, and despite the challenges they face, most find employment. This statistic is a testament to their hard work and dedication and serves as an important reminder of the importance of providing equal opportunities for all.
In the United States, Hispanic workers are overrepresented in lower-wage jobs and underrepresented in higher-paying ones. This pay gap has become a significant concern for Latinos, especially compared to non-Hispanic white workers.
Hispanics are also more likely to have precarious work schedules, negatively affecting their health and well-being. This is one reason why the economy needs more employment opportunities for Hispanics.
In addition to improving employment rates, the Hispanic community should be encouraged to start their businesses. This will help them build a better future for themselves and their families. Moreover, it will help the economy grow and strengthen. To achieve this goal, the Hispanic community should be supported by government agencies that value them as an essential part of our country’s culture and economy.
Income
The median household income of Mexican immigrants has declined since 2000 (see Appendix Table 8-1). This decline reflects the higher poverty rates among the U.S.-born generation caused by the recession. It also reflects the low participation rate of Mexicans in welfare, food stamps, and other public benefits.
Despite these declines, household income is still surprisingly high for all generations of U.S.-born Hispanics compared with black and white non-Hispanics whose parents were born in the United States. The earnings of the head’s spouse contribute about one-fifth of the income on average, consistent across generations and national origins.
Among Hispanics classified by national origin, households headed by Mexicans and Central Americans have the highest percentage of workers. This is an enormous surprise, given that Mexican women are less likely to work than other Hispanic groups. Nevertheless, on average, these groups have more than 1.9 earners per household–more than a third (or higher) generation of working-age white non-Hispanics.
Health
The Hispanic population is a diverse group of individuals. Each group’s ethnicity, country of origin, and culture are unique. These differences can contribute to the complexities of health conditions and challenges.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is a complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It also reflects the complex interactions of an individual’s genetics, lifestyle, and environment.
While a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are essential steps to help people achieve optimal health, many Latinos still lack access to these and other essentials for maintaining good health. These factors significantly reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.