Ethnic Identity at a Majority Hispanic-Serving Institution

Abstract

This study examines the ethnic identity of Cuban American and non-Hispanic White college students at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, Florida. Current Latino/a and White college student ethnic identity theories are limited regarding a variety of contextual considerations such as immigration, majority-minority demographics, student ethnic interactions, and interethnic differences. This study finds that Cuban American and non-Hispanic ethnic identities at FIU are unique particularly because individually, students from both these ethnic groups do not fit in exactly their respective general ethnic categories. Additionally, students from both ethnic groups are in the midst of transculturation, or exchanging cultural traits.

Key words:

• immigration
• ethnic identity
• transculturation
• Cuban American
• non-Hispanic White
• higher education