Skin Color and Latinos in the United States

Abstract

The authors review the social and psychological consequences of Latino phenotypes, skin color and physical appearance, through empirical and ethnographic studies in the United States. They begin by analyzing the historical accounts of the caste system in colonial Mexico to understand the source of Mexican Americans' mestizo and non-racial approach to acculturation in America. Review of empirical studies with Mexican Americans indicated that phenotype was associated with life chances, acculturation and psychological well-being in individuals, but varied by gender and immigrant and non-immigrant status. The results were compared with the adaptive experience of Puerto Ricans, who with African-Spanish heritage accommodated to segregated America by separating into three communities based on phenotype. Reasons for these differences are discussed. Directions for future research in this neglected area are presented.