Latino Politics in America: Community, Culture, and Interests

by John A. Garcia, Gabriel Ramon Sanchez

Overview

The fifth edition of this widely-used textbook introduces students to what it means to be a Latino American culturally and politically at a time of unprecedented challenges for America's diverse and fastest-growing ethnic group. Garcia and Sanchez provide an in-depth examination of the individual communities that comprise the Latino culture, and how those bonds affect political development and decisions. With a look at voting, immigration, political engagement, and the critical public policies that constitute a Latino agenda, Garcia and Sanchez provide substantive insight on Latino pan-ethnic identity, growing policy issues, political participation, and the impact of changing Latino sub-groups.

This engaging text features:
· Discussion questions encourage students to critically engage with key concepts and themes
· Links to suggested readings get students engaged in other sources
· Accessible figures throughout the text engage visual learners
· A glossary of key terms is an effective study aid

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798765146019
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/05/2026
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

John A. Garcia is emeritus research professor and former director of the Resource Center for Minority Data at the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research at the University of Michigan, as well as emeritus professor at the University of Arizona.
Gabriel Sanchez is professor of political science at the University of New Mexico and also serves as the Executive Director of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center for Health Policy and co-director of the Institute of Policy, Evaluation and Applied Research (IPEAR) at the University of New Mexico. Sanchez was formerly the director of research, and now principal at Latino Decisions, the nation's leading survey firm focused on the Latino electorate.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Intro and Scope and “Tone” for the Rest of this Edition
Chapter 2- Community Building and Pan-Ethnicity
Chapter 3: The Demographic Profile of Latinos in America
Chapter 4: Latino sub-groups
Chapter 5: Politics of Community of Interests and Culture
Chapter 6: Latino Political Participation
Chapter 7: The Electoral World of Latinos
Chapter 8: Latino organizations and leadership
Chapter 9: Immigration Policy and Politics
Chapter 10: Education, Health Care and Voting Rights
Chapter 11: Political Alliances
Chapter 12: Conclusions and Future Directions

Editorial Reviews

Very effective [organization]. . . . Very satisfied [with scope of coverage]. . . . Very clear [writing]. . . . The previous editions have brought helpful substantive revisions that update the content to contemporary issues. I am looking forward to using a new edition in my courses in the future. . . . Very likely [to adopt], I firmly believe that this text is the best one available for Latino Politics courses. It is the most relevant to students and provides a great structure for a course. I would welcome the new update.” —Andre P. Audette, Monmouth College

“Very Effective [organization], The book provides short overviews of the histories of various Latino populations. . . . Very Satisfied [with the scope of topics]. . . . Extremely clear, The writings are clear and to the point.” —Charles R. Venator-Santiago, University of Connecticut

“I thought the book offered good, up-to-date data on Latino political participation and voter turnout. . . . Very effective [organization]. . . . Very satisfied [with scope of coverage]. . . . Very clear [writing]. . . . Very likely [to adopt].” —Victoria Wilson, California State University Northridge

“Extremely clear [writing]. Comprehensive overview of Latinos in the US. Very likely [to adopt].” —Mitzi Ramos, University of Illinois Chicago

“The book aims to survey all that is currently known about the politics of Latinos/as in the United States. I've used this text since its first edition, and it's always been a strong entry in my assigned book list.” —Tony Affigne, Providence College

“John and Gabe do a great job of reviewing many aspects of contemporary Latino political identities and describing the contours of the Latino “agenda.” A major contribution of these scholars is their conceptual focus on the implications of the role of community in its various manifestations: ethnic, pan-ethnic, immigrant, racial, etc. . . . I believe the book does a nice job of beginning at the broadest level of conceptualization, building a solid base of understanding, and then concluding with a more narrowed focus on specific policy areas. The final chapters do a great job of covering new terrain that brings to focus the latest conversations about Latino politics. . . . This book has a reputation for its accessibility for undergraduates. . . . [This is a] great introductory text by two leading scholars in this area. A text that is accessible and regularly updated.” —Álvaro José Corral, University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

From the Publisher

García again effectively uses community, culture, and interest to understand Latino politics in the U.S. His goal is not simply to help us better appreciate the ever growing presence and complexity of this community, but to fully appreciate how the future of Latinos is absolutely critical to understanding fundamental elements of the future of all American politics.

Luis Ricardo Fraga

John A. García’s excellent second edition of his impressive book continues to be notable for its comprehensiveness and intellectual thoughtfulness. He deftly articulates an overall theme(s) of “community of culture” and “community of interests” and applies it throughout, offering rich insights and providing a firm foundation for understanding the political behaviors, attitudes and activities of, as well as the differences and similarities between, the Latino population(s) in contemporary America. Readers from several disciplinary backgrounds and with varying levels of knowledge about Latino politics will find it informative and engaging.

Rodney E. Hero

Hooray! Garcia has written a new college textbook for courses in Chicano/a or Latino/a politics. Essential. A pleasure for graduate students through faculty.

Choice

Hooray! Garcia has written a new college textbook for courses in Chicano/a or Latino/a politics. Essential. A pleasure for graduate students through faculty.

CHOICE