Latino parents and caregivers see a hopeful future
for their families and are determined to see their children get more
opportunities to succeed in life than they did. But they also recognize that
inequities can and have limited their families’ chances to thrive.
Optimism
for the Future
The vast majority of Latino parents and
caregivers surveyed express optimism about the future of the country for their
families. Creating a better future for their kids is important and they are
doing what they can to realize it. Parents born outside the U.S. are more
likely to express optimism than parents who are U.S. born.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I am optimistic about the future of this country for my children.”?
“They [immigrants] just want a better life for themselves and their family just like I do … I’m a citizen, but I’m still striving for that and that’s what they want.” Latino focus group participant, California
The overwhelming majority of Latino parents
and caregivers say their children will have positive experiences, including
more opportunity to succeed and thrive than they did.
Q: Now let me ask you about other experiences your children might have. How likely do you think it is that your children will experience the following during their childhood and teen years?
“I can only give a little, some other people can give more, but I think that the principles and education I have been able to give them, even though is not much, I think they are going in the right direction … I give them everything I have for them to succeed.” Latino interview participant, Texas
Latino parents also report relying on a strong
work ethic, creativity in solving problems, and a feeling that they have the
power to change their situation to help their family succeed.
Q: How important is each of the following in helping your family get through hard times and to succeed?
Limited Opportunities
The optimism and hope expressed by Latino
parents and caregivers lives alongside a recognition of inequities. Majorities
report that despite everything they do to help their children succeed, they
worry that America does not offer every child the same opportunities. This is
especially true of moms and parents and caregivers with lower incomes.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “I try to give my children everything for them to succeed, but I worry that America doesn’t offer every child the same opportunities.”?
About half of Latino parents and caregivers
are concerned that their children will experience racism and discrimination which will limit their opportunities. Spanish dominant parents and those with lower incomes are most concerned.
Q: How concerned are you that racism and discrimination will limit your children’s opportunities to get a quality education, go to college, or get a good job when they are an adult?
“When I think about racism, I think about my kids. When they grow up,
I don’t want them to get insulted or to be guarding their backs for fear of
what may happen to them because of their race.” Latino focus group
participant, Texas
About half of Latino parents and caregivers
share that racism or discrimination has limited their own opportunities in
life. Three-quarters of Latino parents and caregivers say that systemic racism and
discrimination can make it harder for someone like them to get a good paying
job or get good medical care. Parents and caregivers with lower incomes and
those who are Spanish dominant are more likely to agree.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: “Systemic racism and discrimination can make it harder for someone like me to get a good paying job, live in a safe community, attend quality schools, and get good medical care.”?
Additional Reports by Race and Ethnicity
This study includes equal representation of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic backgrounds; Latino, as well as Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, and White. Explore detailed reports of the survey findings for each group here.
About the Study
“Raising the Next Generation: A Survey of Parents and Caregivers” examines what it is like to raise children in America today, by asking questions to equal numbers of parents and caregivers from five different racial and ethnic groups: Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino, and White. The survey builds on interviews and focus groups conducted over an 18-month period in 16 cities and in seven different languages with parents and caregivers from more than a dozen racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. The survey and qualitative research were conducted by the nonpartisan research firm PerryUndem and a broad set of partners with culturally specific expertise.
