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
Index Keywords
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