Mexican Americans' attitudes toward Mexican immigrants

This study aimed to determine the relationship between acculturation, ethnic and national identity, political ideology and partisanship, prejudice, and disgust within Mexican-Americans. Previous studies indicated that national identification, political conservatism, and disgust were related to increased prejudice toward out-groups. It was hypothesized that acculturation, national and ethnic identity, and political ideology would predict prejudice and disgust toward Mexican immigrants. In addition, political ideology was expected to mediate the disgust-prejudice relationship. Results indicated Mexican-Americans that had higher national identification, political conservatism, and acculturation predicted prejudice toward Mexican immigrants. Contrary to the hypothesis, individuals that identified as second generation or more had less prejudice than first generation participants. Further, when political conservatism was controlled for, the direct effect of disgust and prejudice was decreased, indicating partial mediation. Future research should consider recruiting more participants that identify as second generation or more to properly analyze group differences, as well as replicate these findings in other minority ethnic groups.