The Overlooked Ethnic Dimension of Hispanic Subgroup Settlement in New York City

Abstract

Whereas differences in settlement patterns among European ethnics have long been recognized, Hispanics are often viewed monolithically. The diverse origins of Hispanic immigrants to New York City allow us to examine ethnic differences in Hispanic settlement. We find Puerto Rican, Dominican, and South American clusters across the city, and argue that ethnicity itself is wielded as a potent force as a group moves into a neighborhood and eventually dominates it. This is especially evident in the residential succession currently under way, which is occurring in a new context: Hispanic immigrants are competing to succeed not only Whites, but also departing Puerto Ricans, the city's longest established Hispanic group. At the same time, there are stable Hispanic multiethnic neighborhoods in which shared middle-class backgrounds help cement ethnic relationships. We also examine the racial structure of Hispanic ethnic clusters to highlight how Hispanic ethnic settlement intersects with the city's overall racial hierarchy. We find that a distinct Hispanic ethnic hierarchy exists, with South Americans in the most advantageous position, and highlight the importance of viewing Hispanic settlement through an ethnic prism.