Ethnic Identities, Language, and Economic Outcomes Among Dominicans in a New Destination

In: Social science quarterly, Volume 87, Issue s1, p. 1088-1099

Abstract

Objective: This study examines how racialethnic self-identity interrelates with language ability, skin tone, and years in the United States and with indicators of socioeconomic attainment for Dominican immigrants in Reading, Pennsylvania, a new destination city that had a nearly 800 percent increase in the Dominican population between 1990-2000. Methods: In-depth ethno-surveys conducted with a sample of 65 Dominican-origin adults are the basis for the descriptive analysis. Results: Based on open-ended responses, nearly 43 percent of immigrants described themselves with a specific ethnic identifier (Dominican) and 41 percent use a more general pan-ethnic identifier (Hispanic or Latino). Pan-ethnic self-identity is interrelated with stronger language ability, lighter skin tone, and more years in the United States, and with better indicators of socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Race-ethnic identity is an important component of Dominican immigrant assimilation in this new destination context. Tables, References. Adapted from the source document.