Diversity Watch: The New Major Minority
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Send to a friend by YMOne of the most important trends in American diversity today is that of the new major minority: Hispanics, now estimated at 43.5 million in the US. How businesses and organizations handle this trend over the next few years will be crucial to their survival.
Keeping up in today’s global business climate means continuously updating our perspectives and belief systems, otherwise we fail to adapt. As a sudden increase of typically underrepresented groups emerges in communities and the workforce, Americans are challenged to reexamine their definition of diversity.
African Americans in the U.S. now number approximately 39 million, and make up 13% of the total population. Other ethnic and racial groups are also growing in numbers and influence in professions and industries where whites once typically represented the majority. Women continue to enter careers typically dominated by males, and now lead in the growth of business ownership. Other emerging populations include seniors, parents with responsibility for child care or elder care, and people with disabilities.
One of the most important trends in American diversity today is that of the new major minority: Hispanics, now estimated at 43.5 million in the US. The figures surpass those of African Americans, who have historically been the largest U.S. minority group. More significantly, the Hispanic community is expected to keep growing at a rapid pace. Increasing 54% from 1990 to 2003, the Latino market is the country's fastest growing population. But it is also the youngest, poorest and least educated, representing only 10% of the workforce. It is estimated that be 2010, there will be 56 million Hispanic/Latinos; by 2050, 30% of the entire population will Hispanic. The rapid growth of this population brings with it several economic, political and cultural implications.
Geographically, the Southeast has become the "new settlement area” for Latinos. The impact is greatest in North and South Carolina, where Latino populations grew by 394% and 211%, respectively, in the 1990s. Several other states have large Hispanic populations, including Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida, with 36% percent of Hispanics living in California.
But The Hispanic/Latino influence is not limited or isolated to these areas. Hispanic music, dance, food, and fashions are mainstream to American culture. And their share of buying power is being felt in every state. Spending power in 2009 is estimated to reach $992 billion. Their rise in political power is also evident in the number of Latinos being elected to local, state and federal offices.
Making room for this growing population has brought on a few growing pains, one example being the so-called “language divide.” The widespread use of Spanish in American cities has generated a public debate over language. Some are calling for a law declaring English the official American language. Others consider such a law unnecessary and likely to cause harm. Recognition of English as the official language, they argue, would stigmatize speakers of other languages and make it difficult for them to live their daily lives.
What is evident here is that the real challenge is not redefining diversity, but in maturing our belief systems to adapt to our current reality. Who has the right to live in this country---to work here, spend here, and influence culture? What gives them that right? How businesses and organizations handle these issues over the next few years will be crucial to their survival.
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