The Influence of Spanish‐Language Media on Latino Public Opinion and Group Consciousness

Bibliographic Data

ID10763052
AuthorsYann P Kerevel (0000-0003-4202-0619, corresponding author)
Year2011
Volume92
Issue2
Pages509-534
Publication date2011-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSocial Science Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-4941 • E-ISSN: 1540-6237
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/j.1540-6237.2011.00780.x
OpenAlexW1904261921
LanguageEN
Citations received29
References cited29

Objective. This article determines if the use of Spanish‐language media among Latinos influences public opinion on various policy issues and group consciousness. Methods. Using a 2004 national public opinion survey of U.S. Latinos, a multivariate analysis is run to determine the effect of language media preference on immigration policy, abortion, same‐sex marriage, and three measures of group consciousness. Results. I find more frequent use of Spanish‐language media leads to more liberal attitudes toward immigration, but has no effect on opinions toward abortion and same‐sex marriage. I also find increased use of Spanish‐language media leads to increased levels of group consciousness. Conclusions. The differences in attitudes are due to the diverging goals of Spanish‐language and English‐language media. The effect of using Spanish‐language media serves to promote a sense of group consciousness among Latinos by reinforcing roots in Latin America and the commonalities among Latinos of varying national origin

Abortion · Consciousness · Economics · Immigration · Latin Americans · Mass media · Multivariate analysis · Political science · Politics · Preference · Public opinion · Sociology · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Law · Medicine · Psychology · Racial and Ethnic Identity Research · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology