Speeches/Conference Papers (150)

The levels of acculturation of biracial and monoracial Hispanics were examined in college students to determine the level of family or community influence in defining racial identification for the biracial individual. The sample was composed of Hispanic undergraduate students currently enrolled at the University of Kansas. Survey packets were mailed to 467 randomly selected students who described themselves as Hispanic, and 149 (32%) replied. Two measures were used for this study: (1) Majority-Minority Relations Survey (MMRS); and (2) a biographical questionnaire. Results show differences in the acculturation of biracial individuals in that they were often acculturated into the majority culture with few connections to Hispanic communities. Another significant finding is that biracial individuals who maintain the Spanish language are more connected to the minority culture and have lower levels of acculturation to the majority culture. Certain familial influences can maintain a higher level of ethnicity. (Contains three tables and seven references.) (SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document