Ferdman and Gallegos's Model of Latino Identity Development

Ferdman and Gallegos (2001) identity process consists six different orientations that serve as a lens in which Latinos may view themselves.  The six orientations are based on five factors which include the individual's identity lens, identity preference, view of Latinos as a whole, view of whites as a whole, and consideration of race (Evans et al., 2010). 

According to Evans et al, (2010) Ferdman and Gallegos 6 orientations are:

Latino-integrated:  Someone in this orientation views themself holistically and integrates their Latino identity with other identities. People in this orientation have the widest lens.

Latino-identified:  Someone in this orientation view the Latino community as one Latino race.  Whites are considered to be a separate race that either are supportive or non-supportive of Latinos.

Subgroup-identified:  Someone in this orientation identifies solely with a subgroup and has potential to view other subgroups as inferior. Someone in this orientation values culture and ethnicity over race.

Latino as other:  Someone in this orientation is unaware of their background/heritage and are more likely to connect with people of color based on physical attributes and how race is socially constructed. 

Undifferentiated/denial:  Someone in this orientation doesn't believe that race is important and is unable to connect with other Latinos.

White-identified:  Someone in this orientation adopts a white racial identity and believes that Latinos and other racial groups are inferior. 

Drawing by Anthony & Mercer 2012

Chris's father grandfather and parents fall under the subgroup-identified orientation.  At this point Chris falls under that orientation as well.  Chris's grandfather grew up in Mexico and although both of his parents were born and raised in Texas grew up in households where their parents identified as solely Mexican and celebrated their culture.  Although Chris currently shares the same orientation as the authority figures in his life I believe at some point he will move to another orientation.  He may end up back at the same orientation at the end.  The combination of  being a third generation living in America, moving away from home, meeting new people, and having new experiences will cause Chris to look differently at himself and start to question his identity which is something he has never seriously done before.  Part of his identity development process will be influenced by the people he is able to connect with at school.


I found a video produced by the Pew Hispanic Center that discusses the Latino community and how they identify.