Untapped Potential: A Look at Hispanic Women in the U.S.

Abstract

This report represents an effort to synthesize existing data and information on the status of Latina women, as well as to highlight the areas of concerns that researchers, policy makers, and advocates should address. In the context of the nation's changing demographics, a review of the status of Latinas is long overdue, since the well-being of both Latino families and the cities and states in which they live is inextricably linked to the opportunities and improved status of Hispanic women. In addition, the projected increases in the Latino population as a whole will fuel the growth in the numbers of Hispanic female workers. The ability of those workers to enter and contribute to the U.S. economy underscores the need to pay attention to the well-being of Latinas.