Moving for Employment: Are Hispanics Less Geographically Mobile than Anglos and Blacks

摘要

As part of the effort to explain and correct the underrepresentation of Hispanics in Navy's civilian workforce, the belief that Hispanics are reluctant to relocate was investigated. A survey was administered in 1987/1988 to approximately 1,450 persons in Texas; 51 percent Hispanic, 38 percent Anglo, and 11 percent Black. The survey contained items addressing the likelihood of moving to specific states with large Navy facilities, for given types of jobs, and if certain conditions were met. No significant differences were found among the three groups in willingness to move if certain incentives were offered. Hispanics, however, were significantly less interested in moving to states that have low Hispanic representation. Differences in types of jobs found attractive by the groups were also found. It was concluded that recruitment efforts in areas with high concentrations of Hispanics for jobs in low-concentration areas may have limited success. The findings need to be replicated, however, and the factors affecting the relocation decision process need to be identified. Each Navy activity established equal employment opportunity (EEO) goals proportional to the racial/ethnic and gender composition of workers in occupations in local, regional, and national labor markets. Despite the proportionality of such goals, activities have been differentially successful in achieving their EEO objectives, especially with regard to Hispanics. (SDW)