The Rise of Ethnicity: Determinants of Ethnic Perceptions Among Cuban Exiles in Miami

Abstract

This paper traces the evolution of perceptions of social distance and discrimination by the host society among members of a recently arrived foreign minority. Determinants of these perceptions suggested by three alternative hypotheses in this area are reviewed and their effects compared empirically. The data come from a longitudinal studyof adult male Cuban exiles interviewed at the time of arrival in the United States and again three and six years later. Results suggest a significant rise in perceptions of social distance and discrimination from low initial levels and a consistent association of such perceptions with variables suggested by the ethnic resilience perspective. In particular, findings from a series of logistic regressions converge with recent events in South Florida to demonstrate the significance of interethnic contact and competition in the development of ethnic awareness. Theoretical implications of these results and their bearing on the analysis of differences between labor immigrants and political refugees are discussed.