Predicting Perceptions of Discrimination among Hispanics and Anglos

Abstract

In light of the rapid growth of the Hispanic population,accompanied by a recent backlash against affirmative action and claims of reverse discrimination,there is a need to understand the factors that contribute to perceptions of discrimination among Hispanics and among Anglos. The current study expanded on Kobrynowicz and Branscombe’s research on perceptions of discrimination by investigating the relationships between perceived personal and group discrimination and self-esteem,control,individualism/collectivism,and social dominance orientation (SDO) among Hispanics and among Anglos. Correlates of discrimination by gender within ethnicity were also assessed. Among Hispanics,personal self-esteem and personal and interpersonal control were negatively correlated,and collectivism was positively correlated,with perceived personal discrimination. Among Anglos,SDO was positively correlated with perceived group discrimination. Multiple regression indicated that collectivism and personal control were significant predictors of perceived personal discrimination among Hispanics, whereas SDO was a significant predictor of perceived group discrimination among Anglos.