Segmented and Socioeconomic Assimilation among Mexicans in the Southwest.

Persistent economic inequality among Mexicans in the U.S. has led to the suggestion that socioeconomic assimilation is beyond their reach; segmented assimilation theory posits that Mexicans may experience "downward" assimilation. Using the 5 percent sample of the 2000 census, this paper investigates how immigrants' length of residence in the U.S., nativity, and gender affect the earnings, occupational status and self-employment outcomes of Mexicans in the Southwest. Findings reveal that earnings and occupational status increase as immigrants reside in the U.S. longer, and are generally higher among the US-born. In contrast, selfemployment participation declines as length of residence increases and is lower among the US-born; however, since participation is associated with decreased earnings, these findings indicate economic progress. Overall, this research shows that long-term immigrants outperform recent immigrants, and that the US-born outperform the foreign-born. Furthermore, men are better off than women. Counter to the "downward" assimilation hypothesis, this research demonstrates gradual and "upward" socioeconomic assimilation (although parity with Whites is not reached). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]