Defining the Group

Abstract

Latinos can opt for many different forms of ethnic group identity, ranging from that based on national origin to that based on a racialized non-White status. Unclear, however, is which of these forms of group identity is the most relevant to politics. The purpose of this study is twofold: to examine the different forms of Latino group consciousness and to uncover the relationship of each with political participation. This article outlines the three major forms of Latino group consciousness: national origin, panethnic, and racial. Ordered logistic and logistic models are used to determine the factors that predict strong identification with each form of group consciousness and the impact of those forms of consciousness on political participation. Although Latinos are more likely to evoke national origin or panethnic identities, racial identities are those that most strongly encourage political participation.