Cubans and Puerto Ricans: Stereotypes within Hispanic Subgroups: Identifying In-group and Out-group Bias Within the Hispanic Population

The term Hispanic is broad and encompasses a diverse population that shares a language albeit the differences amongst this group are immense. Moreover, although these individuals share a language, Hispanics have been found to identify more with specific subgroups rather than with this general term. Notably, this study demonstrated evidence of ethnic bias among specific Hispanic subgroups by using a mock trial format in which Cuban and Puerto Rican participants were provided with a case where the ethnicity of the defendant was manipulated between Cuban and Puerto Rican. Specifically, Puerto Rican participants demonstrated a strong in-group/out-group bias and rated the Cuban defendant more harshly. The results suggest Puerto Rican jurors may treat Puerto Rican defendants more leniently and conversely, be more punitive towards a non-Puerto Rican despite the fact the defendant may be a Hispanic. This study demonstrates that even amongst Hispanic subgroups there is evidence that in-group/out-group bias effects occur.

Dr. Christina Perez-Santana received her Psy.D. degree from Carlos Albizu University, Miami, Florida. She is a licensed psychologist in Florida.