Enumeration or Exclusion? Demographic Forms and Latine Identity Threat

Four studies examine whether demographic forms elicit social identity threat and institutional exclusion for Latine Americans before and after the 2020 Presidential election and leading up to the 2024 election. Using a mock-Census form and widely used ethnicity/racial designations, we manipulated the framing of Latine identity through a two-item (category listed separately) versus a single-item (combined) format, and also varied the inclusion of a citizenship question. Overall, Latine Americans who completed a two-item versus a single-item mock-Census form experienced greater social identity threat, institutional exclusion (e.g., threatened belonging), more negative external perceptions of Latine Americans, and lower Latine and American identification. Reactions to the citizenship question were particularly attenuated by study timepoint and sociopolitical context but also revealed a concern over confirming negative stereotypes about Latine Americans related to immigration and citizenship status. Results suggest Latine Americans face identity threat through demographic forms, and this may affect their sense of belonging within the United States.