Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/04
Outputs
During the last year of this project, analysis was conducted to determine major demographic trends and socio-economic changes experienced by the Hispanic population in the United States (Project Objective #3). Findings show that the U.S. Latino population has grown by nearly 478% over the last three decades and will continue to grow. Today, there are over 40 million Hispanics in the U.S., and they represent the largest ethnic minority in the nation (14% of the total population). In Minnesota, there are about 175,000 Hispanics, also with a high and sustained rate of growth. Between 1990 and 2000, the Latino population in the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis experienced an increase of 97.9% and 269.3%, respectively. Despite several problems affecting large numbers of Latinos in the United States (i.e. poverty, lack of jobs, discrimination), visible changes are detected in the population composition and socio-economic status of Hispanics. Among these changes are the
following: (1) Today, nearly 60% of Latinos in the U.S. are native-born, and those becoming naturalized citizens is growing; (2) Hispanics are the youngest ethnic group in the nation (Median age: 27 years); (3) An increasing proportion of Latinos lives in urban places and constitutes an important part of major metropolitan areas; (4) There is a sustained growth of an emerging middle class characterized by higher levels of education, wider employment opportunities, and increasing income levels. Latinos with middle-class status value education, pursue technical and professional careers, and are effective contributors to the national economy and society. Nearly 65% of them are High School graduates, and at least one-third achieved college education. They also believe in hard work, as 70% of heads of households of this group have full-time work, and 7.8% hold part-time employment. In addition, in over 35% of the Hispanic middle-class households, the spouse also works full-time, becoming
and important second earner in the family. Research findings were presented during this year at professional meetings and in special outreach conferences organized in Minnesota by RBC Dain Rauscher and the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce where I presented a paper on 'The Emerging Hispanic Middle Class In the United States', and by the Greater Twin Cities United Way where I delivered a presentation titled: 'A Cross Cultural Dialogue: Minnesota 'Nice', a unique aspect of Minnesota Culture'.
Impacts
Research findings and data developed by this project are important to local governments, policy makers, educational institutions, social services, industries and commerce. In addition, Hispanic organizations and their leaders have access to data and reports prepared by this study.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2004) Strategies of Cooperation and Delivery of Human Services in Rural Areas: Sharing Community Assets. Chapter 5, in Building and Sustaining Community Assets-Rural Social Work. Scales, T.L. and Streeter, C.L. (editors). Brooks/Cole/Thomson Learning, Belmont, CA. (pp.54-64)
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Poverty among Hispanics and other minority populations remains a major social problem in the United States. Data show a nationwide poverty rate of nearly 12 percent that includes over 30 million Americans. During this period the research analyzed social systems factors that contribute to explain poverty in Minnesota. Research findings confirm that those groups most affected by poverty conditions are children less than 18 years of age (16.3%), older adults (over 10%), and members of minority populations. Among Hispanics and African Americans, poverty rates reach over 20 percent compared to less than 10 percent for whites. A regression analysis was conducted and results suggest that poverty is largely a consequence of social exclusion considering that income inequality, unemployment, race and ethnicity are key factors influencing the variation of poverty rate. These research findings provide relevant information and analysis related to two main objectives of this
project. First, it gives empirical analysis of demographic, social, and economic characteristics of ethnic populations in poverty (Project objective #3). Secondly, it contributes to the discussion of issues concerning the processes of economic and social 'inclusion' and 'exclusion' of Hispanic immigrants and other minorities in American communities (Objective #4).
Impacts
Policy implications of this research point toward legislation and programs oriented to reduce income inequality and unemployment maintaining efforts to increase education, economic resources, and social services in Minnesota. Research information is being shared with Hispanic organizations, their leaders and programs for their plans and future activities.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2003) Rural Poverty: A System Perspective for Social Work Practice. National Institute on Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas. University of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H. (pp.1-27).
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
Immigration to the U.S. from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean has been increasing in recent years and is expected to continue growing as economic, political, and social problems in those nations deteriorate. Among the factors contributing to stagnant economies and limited opportunities for Hispanics in the countries of origin are globalization, privatization, and reduction of social welfare. Hispanics in the U.S. number more than 35 million, over 12 percent of the total population. In Minnesota, the Hispanic community is the fastest growing ethnic group and has nearly tripled its number over the last decade from 53,884 in 1990 to 143,382 in 2000. Increasing racial and ethnic diversity in the U.S. is being studied here from a systems perspective, analyzing patterns of acceptance and inclusion but also the consequences of globalization on migration.
Impacts
This project will expand the traditional viewpoints concerning international migration and systems functions dealing with ethnic and cultural diversity. Working activities and outreach sessions with Hispanic organizations allow providing information to Hispanic leaders and institutions.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2002) Globalization and Development: Challenges and Opportunities for Sociocybernetics. International Review of Sociology, Vol. 12, # 2, pp.321-332
- Menanteau, D. (2002) Impacts of Globalization on Social Equity and Development in Latin America. Work & Labor in the Global Economy. SASE-Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics. Minneapolis, Minnesota, June, pp.1-19.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The Hispanic population in the United States has reached over 35 million, and their members will likely approach the 100 million mark in 2050. Estimates reveal that in the next 50 years, one out of every four individuals in the U.S. could be Hispanic. Data demonstrating the effects of institutionalized exclusion of Hispanics in education, work, and income require a system perspective to design a better future. Application of sociocybernetics principles (general system theory) to the study of inclusion and exclusion of individuals are without doubt key concepts to assess social system's performance. Fear and misinformation are parts of institutionalized exclusion of Hispanics in the U.S. Fear that immigrant workers may displace U.S. workers from their jobs is unfounded, considering that they represent only one to two percent of the total population and usually work in jobs of no interest to U.S. workers. In addition, far from being an economic burden to the U.S.
economy, Latino-undocumented workers pay about $7 billion annually in taxes. This includes $2.7 billion annually to social security and $168 million to the state unemployment fund, when in practice they cannot collect benefits or services.
Impacts
Conceptual analysis developed by this project will expand the theoretical perspectives available to study migration, inclusion-exclusion pattern, and system's performance. This project will provide information for developing human capital and leaderships in the Hispanic community.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (2001) The Possible World of Hispanics in the U. S.: Issues of System's Acceptance and Exclusion. International Conference of Sociocybernetics, International Sociological Association (RC5I),Conference Proceedings,University Iberoamericana, Leon, Mexico. (pp. 1-25)
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
The minority population in the United States is growing faster than the white population. Between 1990 and 1999 the white population grew by 7.3 percent, while Hispanics increased nearly 40 percent. Over half the 26 million foreign-born residents of the U.S. are Hispanics, and in 1999 over half of all immigrants (51%) were from Latin America. In Minnesota, the Hispanic population has been estimated at about 85,000 people. It is the fastest growing ethnic group in the state, and their numbers will more than double in the next 20 to 25 years. Research findings confirm that the Hispanic population represents an economic and socio-cultural asset to the state and the nation. They provide an economic contribution to the state through their work in all sectors as well as through the taxes they pay. Data show that the percentage of Hispanics involved in the labor force is on par with that of the U.S. average white population. Unemployment rate, economic exclusion and
discriminatory practices, however, constitute important structural factors hindering assimilation of Hispanics in the U.S. and in Minnesota.
Impacts
The focus of this project is to identify patterns of adaptation, acceptance, exclusion, and discrimination of Hispanics in Minnesota and the United States. The information collected by this project will assist the growing Hispanic population to become fully productive and accepted in the larger society, thereby providing, a positive benefit to all citizens of the state.
Publications
- Menanteau, D., (2000). Social Performance in the Heartland of the United States. The Performance of Social Systems. Ch. 15 (with Francisco Parra-Luna, ed). Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York.
- Menanteau, D., (2000). The Rhetoric of Acceptance and Practices of Exclusion Towards Hispanics in the U.S. in Citizenship and Exclusion Program Services, The Society for the Advancement of Socio-Economics (SASE), London, England/Valencia, Spain.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Hispanics have experienced a relatively low level of assimilation in the United States and in Minnesota largely as a consequence of structural factors including participation in the labor force, access to economic opportunities, limited public services, and discriminatory practices. The median income of Hispanic American families is two-thirds that of non-Hispanics, and more than 20 percent of Hispanic families live in poverty, compared to about nine percent of non-Hispanics. The median weekly earnings for Hispanics in 1999 was $399, compared to $506 for Whites and $387 for African Americans. Economic exclusion and discrimination of Hispanics has been documented in the areas of labor, salary, and loans. Only 10 percent of Hispanics hold managerial jobs, compared to 27 percent of non-Hispanics. During this year, this project focussed attention on participation of Hispanics in the labor force which is considered one of the most influential factors of Hispanics
integration in American communities. Today, Hispanics represent over 11 percent of the total population of the nation and, with a growth rate of more than 35 percent during the 1990's, are the second fastest-growing minority group after the Asians. Given current growth patterns, Hispanics are projected to become the largest ethnic minority in the United States by 2005. In Minnesota, the rapidly growing Hispanics population represents one of the largest groups introducing diversity and contributing to agriculture and industry in the state. The number of Hispanics in Minnesota has increased over 151% since 1980 from 32,123 to 86,937 in 1998. These figures usually ignore a substantial number of more than 20,000 agricultural and food-processing migrant workers who provide their labor to the agricultural system, pay taxes, buy in the local economy, and live in Minnesota rural communities every year during the spring to fall months. A 1997 survey by the Minnesota State Department of Health
estimated that almost 25,000 migrant farm workers, the vast majority of wom were of Hispanic origin, came to the state in the previous year. Furthermore, demographic projections suggest that the inflow of farm workers might rise up to 40,000 annually, and the Hispanics population in the state could rise to nearly 3000,000 by the year 2025.
Impacts
By assisting the growing Hispanic population to become fully productive and accepted in the larger society, this study provides a positive benefit to all the state's citizens. Observation of patters of adaptation and acceptance of Hispanics will reveal opportunities for improving their quality of life, and increase understanding among Minnesota's non-Hispanic population. The project established cooperation with the St Paul school district and supported the initaitive of creating the first bilingual kindergarten in Minnesota.
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (1999). Indicators of Social Performance in the U.S. Chapter in book: The Performance of Social Systems. Francisco Parra-Luna, (editor), Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York.
- Menanteau, D. (1999) 'The Rhetoric of Acceptance and Practices of Exclusion Towards Hispanics in the United States'. Accepted by the World Congress of Socio-Economics (SASE), London School of Economics, London, England.
- Menanteau, D.(2000) 'Education of Hispanics in Minnesota: Patterns, Issues and Expectations'. In progress for special issue on 'The Latino Experience in the Great Plains'. Great Plains Research Journal.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Social and cultural adaptation of Hispanics in American communities is highly related to their educational achievements and full participation with improving opportunities in the labor-force. The 12 million Hispanic workers represent about 10% of all workers in the U.S. Hispanics, however, are concentrated in low-paid and low-skill jobs in agriculture, industry, and services. Nearly 73% of Hispanic men held blue-collar jobs in 1996, compared to 66% of African Americans and 49% of Whites. The proportion of Hispanic workers in professional, managerial, and technical fields (25%) is substantially lower than the proportion of African Americans (34%) and White males (51%). In Minnesota, the Hispanic labor force represents about 25,000 workers from a total employed population of 2.5 million. Research findings of this project reveal that Hispanic workers in Minnesota are underrepresented in white-collar, better-paid occupations and overrepresented in low-skill and low-paid
jobs. This is particularly the case in the area of services, where the Hispanic labor force increased from 21.3% to 32.7% between 1990 and 1996. Controlling by education and occupation, data also show that Hispanic workers earn less than Whites in all occupations. In the professional category, Hispanics earn less than any other ethnic group except American Indians. In sales, Hispanic workers earn less than any other groups. In conjunction with this project, research collaboration with the St. Paul Public School District to evaluate educational opportunities for Hispanic students has continued during this period. A database for the first bilingual kindergarten program in the State and a survey to parents of students enrolled in the all-day bilingual kidergarten were developed and implemented. Preliminary results of this survey reveal that from a total of 50 parents interviewed, 88% came from Mexico and 10% from Central America. They have been in the U.S. for an average of 9.5 years and
have lived in Minnesota for an average of 6.4 years. About half of the respondents (48%) had elementary school education, 30% graduated from high school, and 22% reported post-secondary education. 90% of the parents speak Spanish at home, and 64% do not speak English at all.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Menanteau, D. (1998). The Hispanic Labor Force in Minnesota. MCLR-Midwest Consortium for Latino Research, Issues, Challenges and Successes: Latinos and Latinas in the Midwest. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
- Menanteau, D. (1998). The Common Market of the Southern Core Nations -- Chile, Chapter 5 in Latin America -- Mercosur, edited by Peter Coffey, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Boston: Mass.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Hispanics in Minnesota are a rapidly growing group, and the majority of them (68%) live in the Twin Cities Metro area. The concentration of Hispanics and other minorities in inner city areas correlates with some educational achievement issues and patterns of economic distress. Academic performance of minority students, measured by ACT socres, ranked lower than that of white students. The proportion of inner city and minority students seeking post secondary education (76%) is lower than that of suburban sutdents (over 81%). The drop-out rate among Hispanic students is 18%, which is four times higher than for white students. Research findings suggest that communication between family and school helps to explain educational achievement and social integration among Hispanic students. Higher educational levels of Hispanic mothers contribute to higher educational expectations of their children. Students whose mothers have high school or technical education show higher
occupational expectations (58.4%) compared to 27.3% of those students whose mothers have only elementary school education. In conjunction with this project, research collaboration is being developed with the St. Paul Public School District to evaluate the impact of the Latino Consent Decree all-day bilingual kindergarten for Hispanic students. In addition, an advisory role has been established to create an Hispanic Outreach Program (HOP) aimed at migrant and rural Hispanic youth and their parents in Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- MENANTEAU, D. and SKEWES, J.C. (1997). "Educational Challenges for Hispanics in Minnesota". Hispanic Dialogue: Resaerch and Social Action in the Hispanic Community. St. Paul, Minnesota.
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