What It Means to Be Latino: Exploring Identity Among U.S.-Born Gen Z Youth

Authors

Santiago Reyes, Florida State UniversityFollow
Alessandra Noli Peschiera, Florida State UniversityFollow
Melany Sarcevic, Florida State University
Tatiana Garcia, Florida State University
Leen Tlanepantla, Florida State University

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Abstract

This study explores how U.S.-born Hispanics and Latinos define their identity within a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse demographic group. As the Hispanic population expands, traditional labels such as Hispanic and Latino often fall short of capturing the community’s cultural, linguistic, and generational complexity. With most growth now coming from U.S.-born generations, identity is shaped by a blend of American influences and heritage traditions, making it more fluid and context-dependent. Guided by Social Identity Theory and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, this research uses focus groups with Gen Z participants to examine how they describe themselves, what characteristics they associate with being Hispanic or Latino, and whether existing terminology feels representative. The study aims to illuminate how this generation negotiates identity across multiple cultural spheres, offering insights that can support more accurate, authentic, and culturally grounded approaches to communication, representation, and public engagement.

Recommended Citation

Reyes, Santiago; Noli Peschiera, Alessandra; Sarcevic, Melany; Garcia, Tatiana; and Tlanepantla, Leen, "What It Means to Be Latino: Exploring Identity Among U.S.-Born Gen Z Youth" (2026). AMTP Proceedings 2026. 59.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/amtp-proceedings_2026/59