Hispanics and Their Perceptions of Family Dynamics: An Extension and Test of Group Reference Theory

INTRODUCTIONRecent data suggests that childbirth rates among American youth have continued to decline over the last decade and a half. However, these positive trends are tempered by a more problematic picture that is evident among Hispanic teens and Hispanic young adults. In a recent overview of adolescent fertility trends in the U.S., researchers find that when compared to the overall teen population, "Hispanic teens have higher pregnancy and birth rates and have been experiencing slower declines in these rates over the past decade" (Ryan, Franzetta, and Manlove 2005: 5). As the Hispanic population of the United States continues to grow, it is imperative that researchers continue examining the dynamics of America's largest minority group. Empirical studies should take an objective and balanced approach to understanding the mechanisms that underUe processes of assimilation and attitude formation amongst Hispanics-processes that often impact a host of societal trends like teen pregnancy.The current study is largely informed by literature on the Hispanic- American family but adds a much needed comparative, cross-cultural perspective that, as has been previously noted, is largely absent in much of the research aimed at understanding Hispanic family dynamics (see for instance, Vega 1990). Studies have shown that fertility trends among Hispanic women are often affected by attitudes and culturally motivated beliefs towards childbirth, family, and marriage (Abma, Martinez, Mosher, and Dawson 2004; Manning 2001; Way, Finch, and Deborah 2006). For this reason, it is essential that discussions of Hispanic family dynamics take a closer look at the belief systems that often underUe specific types of behaviors and social outcomes.THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKThe current study is informed by Robert Merton's reformulation of classic reference group theory (Merton 1957, particularly ch. 8-9). Merton's seminal work established a central tenet of future sociological reasoning by proposing a simple yet parsimonious premise: People's beliefs, motivations, and actions are largely conditioned and influenced by attachments and investments with groups in which they are immersed. In other words, when it comes to behaviors and attitudes, groups matter. Merton refines his theory by assigning specific empirical characteristics by which in-group membership can be identified. First, members of groups must be eligible for membership. A potential member of a group may feel more inclined to internalize the expectations of the group to a greater degree than a person who is not eligible for membership. As Merton states, persons eligible for group membership "are likely to become positively oriented towards the norms of a group... non-members eligible for membership will presumably be more likely to adopt the norms of the group as a positive frame of reference" (Merton 1957:289).Secondly, members of the group are such because they are oriented to be members of the group in the first place. Again, according to Merton, an orientation to be part of a group may function as "one mechanism for positive orientation of non-members towards the norms of the group" (Merton 1957289). Therefore, those who are eligible and oriented towards being part of a group develop positive affinities towards the norms of said group. Finally, Merton considers current and previous status of membership in the group as an important structural component of one's relationship to the group. Current members of the group differ from both ex-members and those who have never been members. While botii members and non-members who are eligible for membership may potentially adopt the norms of the group, ex-members may develop negative orientations to the group. "The group" according to Merton, "remains pertinent precisely because they are alienated or estranged from it; it is therefore likely to become a negative reference group" (Merton 1957294).With notable exceptions, reference group theory has primarily served as a theoretical framework in studies of deviance and related non-normative behaviors (Haskell 1960; Hill and Dodder 1978; Stolzenberg, Eitle, and D'Alessio 2006; Yu and Liska 1993). …