Ethnic labels, pride, and challenges: A qualitative study of Latinx youth living in a new Latinx destination community

Rosalie Corona; Efren Velazquez; Shelby E. McDonald; Melissa Avila; Molly Neff; Adam Iglesias; Raquel Halfond

doi:10.29333/ejecs/67

Authors

Rosalie Corona Virginia Commonwealth University http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6652-9092
Efren Velazquez Virginia Commonwealth University
Shelby E. McDonald Virginia Commonwealth University
Melissa Avila Virginia Commonwealth University
Molly Neff Virginia Commonwealth University
Adam Iglesias Virginia Commonwealth University
Raquel Halfond Virginia Commonwealth University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/67

Keywords:

Latinx, discrimination, ethnic identity

Abstract

Most of the literature on Latinx youths’ ethnic identity development has been conducted in communities with a large Latinx population. Fewer studies have examined Latinx youths’ ethnic identity in communities with a smaller yet rapidly growing Latinx population (i.e., new Latinx destination communities). Twenty-five Latinx youth (10-15 years)living in a new Latinx destination community participated in semi-structured interviews to identify the ethnic labels they use to describe themselves (i.e., ethnic-identity self-identification) and explore their feelings about being Latinx (i.e., ethnic-identity affirmation). Using an existing coding scheme, we found that most immigrant youth used a national origin label alone, while U.S.-born youth used a pan-ethnic term alone or in combination with an American term. Results of the thematic analysis exploring youths’ ethnic identity affirmation indicated three themes among youths’ account of their ethnic affirmation: (a) pride; (b) communication difficulties; and (c) discrimination. Study findings have implications for examining Latinx youth ethnic identity development in new destination communities.

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Author Biography

Rosalie Corona, Virginia Commonwealth University

Associate Professor
Director of Clinical Training
Director Latina/o Mental Health Clinic

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