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Bringing together political science research on Latinos and an analysis of American politics from the vantage point of the Latino political condition, Rodney E. Hero presents a comprehensive discussion of contemporary Latino politics. He points out that "the `distinct' and `tenuous' nature of Latino status in the United States has made it difficult to develop explanatory frameworks appropriate to their unique status". This "uniqueness" stems from a variety of circumstances, including the differences among Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans, and their ambivalent racial classification (white but not "Anglo," or nonwhite but not black). Introducing the concept of "two-tiered pluralism," Hero offers a distinct interpretation of Latino politics.
Two-tiered pluralism describes the political situation for Latinos and other minorities in which equality is largely formal or procedural, but not substantive. Hero observes that this formal but marginalized inclusion exists for minorities in most facets of the political process. This two-tiered pluralism represents a political dilemma for those caught in the "second tier." They can choose to be ignored and hope for change in the long run or they can support and accept policies (such as "affirmative action") and take on labels (such as "protected class") that indicate symbolic recognition while signifying inferior status.
In his critical overview of American politics, Hero explores the major theoretical perspectives that have been used to understand Latino "cultural politics"; he compares and contrasts the three largest Hispanic populations in this country; and he considers major political activities and institutions of the American political system with specific reference to Latinos. He examines political attitudes among Latinos; federal, state, and local political goals; and policy issues that are of specific importance to Latino communities. This timely and comprehensive work addresses the politics of an increasingly important segment of the U.S. population and an area in which previous research has been scant.
