Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 41, Issue 4, 2019, Pages 447-463

Understanding Latinx Civic Engagement in a New Immigrant Gateway (Article)

Schuch J.C.* , Vasquez-Huot L.M. , Mateo-Pascual W.
  • a The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States
  • b The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, United States
  • c CrossWays Consulting, Concord, NC, United States

Abstract

The U.S. South has experienced rapid Latinx growth; yet, little is known about how Latinx residents are civically integrating into new communities. This article explores whether, where, and why Latinx in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, North Carolina, are civically engaged. Participants in a Latino Civic Engagement Project conducted 382 surveys with fellow Latinx residents in a county with Latinx growth rates over 1,800% from 1990 to 2014. Among respondents, 58.5% had volunteered in the past year and 47.0% were members of a faith-based or charitable organization. Household income, educational attainment, and English proficiency were most strongly correlated with civic engagement (r =.456, r =.453, and r =.464, respectively). The main reason for engagement was the betterment of the Latinx community. Main barriers were lack of information (37.1%), limited time (17.2%), disinterest (7.8%), and documentation status (4.3%). Findings can shape conversations about Latinx engagement in ways that include, but go beyond, voting and political representation. © The Author(s) 2019.

Author Keywords

immigrants U.S. South civic behaviors new Latino destinations political engagement

Index Keywords

North Carolina male female major clinical study immigrant adult mental capacity growth rate Article conversation resident human household income documentation Hispanic

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85070322778&doi=10.1177%2f0739986319865904&partnerID=40&md5=1124d390fa32be9155ef9df037d00e83

DOI: 10.1177/0739986319865904
ISSN: 07399863
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English