Latinas’ Economic Realities

Latinas in the United States: Contributions, Accomplishments, and Struggles

Overview

During Women’s History Month, it is essential to acknowledge the significant contributions, accomplishments, and struggles of Latinas in the United States. With over 31 million Latinas in the country, they are a vital part of the nation’s demographic landscape.

Demographics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 22% of Latinas aged 25 and older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 17% of Hispanic men. The number of Latinas obtaining at least a bachelor’s degree has increased by 103% from 2010 to 2021, compared to 38.3% for non-Latinas. Sixty percent of Latinas are 25 or older, and 32% were foreign-born.

Economics, Labor Force Participation, and Latinas

Latinas are significant contributors to large-scale economic gains and prosperity. However, in their daily lives, they often face challenges. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, if current trends persist, it will take Latinas 182 years to reach pay equity with white men.

Despite these challenges, the economic contributions of Latinas are remarkable. The inaugural U.S. Latina GDP Report reveals that Latina GDP outpaced the economies of all U.S. states except California, Texas, and New York. Specifically, the total economic output of Latinas in 2022 reached $1.3 trillion. From 2010 to 2021, Latina GDP grew by 51.1%, a growth rate 2.7 times faster than non-Latino GDP.

Latinas in the Labor Force

Since 2000, the number of Latinas in the labor force has steadily increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in just ten years, 2018 to 2028, the percentage of Latinas in the workforce is projected to increase by about 23%. According to researchers at UCLA and California Lutheran University, between 2000 and 2020, Latinas increased their labor force participation rate by nearly eight percentage points, while the rate for non-Latina women remained flat. From 2010 to 2021, the number of Latinas in the labor force grew by approximately 33%, compared to 3% for non-Latina women.

Challenges and Solutions

While Latinas drive growth in the labor force, many earn low wages and struggle in other ways. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are more likely than men to work in service jobs, including those in hospitality, personal care, customer service, cleaning, education, and healthcare. In 2024, 31% of Latinas were in service occupations compared to 20% of all employed women. Latinas in these positions had median weekly earnings of $613, the lowest among racial and ethnic groups.

A Few Policy Actions to Support Latinas

To benefit Latinas and all women in the labor force, some possible policy actions include:

• Facilitating greater access to capital to start and grow businesses
• Strengthening legislation focused on reducing the wage gap, especially the gender wage gap
• Enhancing access to free or at least more affordable training programs designed to facilitate and support advancement in the workplace

Conclusion

As the U.S. celebrates women’s accomplishments and recognizes their struggles, it is essential to elevate the stories of Latinas to a more prominent place in our nation’s narrative. By acknowledging their contributions, accomplishments, and challenges, we can work towards a more equitable society where all women, including Latinas, can thrive.

FAQs

• What is the current demographic makeup of Latinas in the United States?
  • According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 22% of Latinas aged 25 and older have earned at least a bachelor’s degree, compared to 17% of Hispanic men.
• What is the economic contribution of Latinas to the U.S. economy?
  • The total economic output of Latinas in 2022 reached $1.3 trillion, and from 2010 to 2021, Latina GDP grew by 51.1%, a growth rate 2.7 times faster than non-Latino GDP.
• How have Latinas contributed to the growth of the U.S. labor force?
  • Since 2000, the number of Latinas in the labor force has steadily increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in just ten years, 2018 to 2028, the percentage of Latinas in the workforce is projected to increase by about 23%.