Applying Acculturation Theory and Power Elite Theory on a Social Problem

Abstract

Legislative underrepresentation of the Hispanic population is a serious social problem in Texas. Hispanics in the Texas legislature comprise approximately 21% of the total legislative body, yet the Hispanic population is approximately 35% of the total population in Texas. Acculturation and Power Elite theories can enhance our understanding, providing a useful framework for explaining the underrepresentation phenomenon and identifying implications for further research. Acculturation refers to the internal processes of change that immigrants experience when they come into direct contact with members of the host culture, in this case Hispanics. Power elite theory is a concept of how the balance of power is maintained within the societal structure, in this case Texas. Together, these theories can account for underrepresentation and can help to form a strategy for Hispanics to overcome the underrepresentation phenomenon in Texas.