Generations of Exclusion: Mexican-Americans, Assimilation, and Race

Generations of Exclusion presents a longitudinal study of Mexican American families across multiple generations, examining their integration into U.S. society from 1965 to 2000. The research follows up on an earlier 1965 study of Mexican Americans in Los Angeles and San Antonio, interviewing the original subjects' children and grandchildren. The authors analyze education, income, intermarriage patterns, residential segregation, and language use among Mexican Americans over time. Through statistical analysis and interviews, they document the barriers to socioeconomic mobility faced by Mexican Americans despite their increasing time in the United States. The findings challenge traditional assimilation theories by revealing persistent disadvantages across generations, particularly in education and economic status. This empirical investigation demonstrates how racialization and structural inequalities have impacted Mexican American incorporation into U.S. society. The work contributes to broader discussions about immigration, racial inequality, and the American Dream, questioning assumptions about inevitable upward mobility for immigrant groups. Its methodological approach and theoretical framework offer new perspectives for understanding patterns of social incorporation among ethnic minorities in America.

Readers note this book provides empirical data challenging common assumptions about Mexican-American assimilation across generations. Reviewers highlight the extensive research methodology, which tracked families over multiple generations. Liked: - Clear presentation of statistical evidence - Thorough examination of education, income, and intermarriage patterns - Balanced discussion of both progress and persistent barriers - Inclusion of actual survey responses and personal stories Disliked: - Dense academic writing style - Heavy focus on methodology sections - Limited discussion of policy solutions - Some readers wanted more comparative analysis with other immigrant groups Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (14 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (8 ratings) Sample review: "The longitudinal data is impressive, but the writing can be dry and technical at times. Still, the findings about persistent educational gaps are important." - Goodreads reviewer The book receives stronger ratings from academic readers than general audience reviewers, who sometimes find the statistical analysis challenging to follow.

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🔹 The research presented in this book spans an extraordinary 35-year period, following the same Mexican-American families across multiple generations in Los Angeles and San Antonio. 🔹 Author Edward Telles discovered that, contrary to common assumptions, Mexican-Americans who spoke better English and had more education often faced increased discrimination rather than greater acceptance. 🔹 The study reveals that even after four generations in the United States, Mexican-Americans still had significantly lower education levels than non-Hispanic whites, challenging traditional assimilation theories. 🔹 The book's findings were based on a groundbreaking 1965 study of Mexican-Americans by economists Leo Grebler, Joan Moore, and Ralph Guzman, which Telles and his team followed up on in 2000. 🔹 Mexican-Americans who identified more strongly as "white" generally achieved higher socioeconomic status than those who identified as Mexican or Latino, highlighting the complex relationship between racial identity and social mobility.