Enumeration or Exclusion? Demographic Forms and Latine Identity Threat

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Political Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Demographic forms are crucial for government functions and research.
• Latine Americans may experience unique challenges related to identity and belonging.
• The sociopolitical climate, especially around elections, can influence group perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how demographic form design affects social identity threat and institutional exclusion for Latine Americans.
• To examine the impact of identity framing (two-item vs. single-item) and citizenship questions on Latine Americans' perceptions.
• To understand these effects in the context of the 2020 and upcoming 2024 US Presidential elections.

Main Methods:

• Four studies utilized a mock-Census form with manipulated identity framing (two-item vs. single-item format).
• The inclusion of a citizenship question was also varied.
• Participants were Latine Americans surveyed before and after the 2020 election and leading up to 2024.

Main Results:

• A two-item format (separate categories) induced greater social identity threat and institutional exclusion compared to a single-item format.
• Participants reported more negative external perceptions and lower identification with both Latine and American identities.
• Reactions to the citizenship question were context-dependent but highlighted concerns about negative stereotypes.

Conclusions:

• Demographic forms can pose a threat to Latine Americans' social identity and sense of institutional belonging.
• The way Latine identity is presented on forms significantly influences these negative experiences.
• These findings have implications for survey design and understanding Latine Americans' integration into the U.S.