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Puerto Ricans on the U.S. Mainland

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Book cover Latinx Immigrants

Part of the book series: International and Cultural Psychology ((ICUP))

Abstract

Puerto Rico, the United States’ oldest colony, harbors a long-standing history and evolving relationship with the mainland US. While both Puerto Rican and American, individuals from this island nation are faced with a unique set of challenges and, at times, conflicting identities and loyalties that make them both vulnerable and resilient in the face of adversity. Reporting on the most recent demographics, migration patterns, mental health and health disparities, socioeconomic factors, perceived discrimination, stunted perception of social mobility, as well as personal testimonies and biographies of Puerto Ricans, the authors use a historical and transnational perspective to delve into the lived experiences of this population. This chapter was formulated with the purpose of capturing how both historical and current events continue to shape the island nation, its people, and the perception of the two.

Further, this chapter also examines the concept of colonialism and the subsequent consequences it continues to have on Puerto Ricans, thereby starting the conversation on the responsibility that the mainland US has towards its Puerto Rican brethren and fellow American citizens. Evidence from the current administration and personal testimonies are intertwined with empirical findings to draw conclusions and make suggestions about how service providers can address the current disparities and challenges faced by the island. Finally, the chapter closes on examining how cultural values can serve as a buffer to the disparities faced by Puerto Ricans, resulting in a culture rich in resilience and grit.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Acculturation is bidimensional process of change across cultural domains (e.g., behaviors, values) that individuals may experience as they come in contact with a new dominant culture (Gibson, 2016).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA

    Cristalís Capielo, Amber Schaefer, Jorge Ballesteros & Fengheng Qiu

  2. The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

    Marlaine M. Monroig

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  1. Cristalís Capielo
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  2. Amber Schaefer
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  3. Jorge Ballesteros
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  4. Marlaine M. Monroig
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  5. Fengheng Qiu
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Correspondence to Cristalís Capielo .

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  1. Arredondo Advisory Group, Phoenix, AZ, USA

    Patricia Arredondo

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Capielo, C., Schaefer, A., Ballesteros, J., Monroig, M.M., Qiu, F. (2018). Puerto Ricans on the U.S. Mainland. In: Arredondo, P. (eds) Latinx Immigrants. International and Cultural Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95738-8_11

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