Ethnicity and Chicanos: Measurement of Ethnic Identification,Identity,and Consciousness

Abstract

The conceptualization of ethnicity among Mexican-origin populations was explored within a multidimensional perspective. Specifically, the psychological aspects of ethnicity-ethnic consciousness, identification, and identity-were defined and operationalized. In addition, measures of political consciousness were developed to examine their relationships with these measures of ethnicity. Utilizing the pretest data from the National Chicano Survey of Mexicans in Detroit, levels of ethnicity were measured. Each measure proved to tap some aspects of ethnicity, yet reflect their varying levels of pervasiveness among the respondents. The interrelationships of these measures were not always positively correlated, suggesting a non-unidimensional view of ethnicity. Also, only selected measures of ethnicity had positive linkages to critical levels of political consciousness. Efforts to politically mobilize Chicanos who depend on cultural cues is a more complex process than expected. Research ramifications and directions are discussed in light of these results.

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