Graduation Year

Fall 2011

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Shana Levin

Reader 2

Gregory Hess

Rights Information

© 2011 Laura S. Gonzalez

Abstract

The changing demographics of the U.S. are increasingly drawing attention to the growing Hispanic and Asian populations. Historically, the majority of these two groups have resided in the same areas, which has created opportunities for interaction over shared resources. Intergroup relations between Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans have resulted in both cooperation and conflict. Realistic group conflict theory and social identity theory have not been evaluated in light of Hispanic-Asian interactions and therefore may not account for unique cultural psychological aspects of group members. It was hypothesized that while the two theories may accurately explain components of the intergroup relations between Asians and Hispanics, they would not fully explain them due to unconsidered cultural influences. Ultimately, it was found that while the theories can be applied well to explain Asian-Hispanic intergroup relations and make space for the central concepts concerning perception and identity to be influenced by culture, the issue of how culture influences intergroup conflict and cooperation is not directly addressed.

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