Dissertation

Grijalva, J. A. (2024). From Binary to Multidimensional: Reframing Latino Acculturation in Political Science (Doctoral dissertation). University of Notre Dame. DOI: 10.7274/26308765.

This dissertation challenges the binary models traditionally used in Latino acculturation research within political science and introduces a multidimensional framework that better reflects the complexities of Latino identities. Drawing on decolonial theory and innovative methodologies, including Comparative Cluster Analysis, the study critiques the limitations of binary approaches and offers an alternative model that more accurately captures the fluid, hybrid nature of acculturation. The findings provide new insights into how acculturation impacts political behavior, focusing on key outcomes such as immigration policy preferences, party identification, and ideological orientation.

The dissertation was successfully defended under the supervision of Luis Fraga (Chair), with committee members Ricardo Ramirez and David Cortez.

Grijalva, J. A. (2024). "Rethinking the Latino Experience: A Meta-Analysis of Acculturation and Political Behavior Research." Journal of Politics (Under review).

This meta-analysis critically examines 23 studies on acculturation and political behavior, challenging the predominant use of binary models (assimilation vs. cultural retention) in Latino acculturation research. The analysis highlights the limitations of using oversimplified proxies, such as language proficiency and generational status, to measure acculturation. The paper argues for a multidimensional framework that better captures the complexity of Latino identities and their political behaviors, offering a path forward for more accurate, nuanced research in this field.

Grijalva, J. A. (2024). "Advancing Research Design: Introducing the Comparative Cluster Analysis." (Preparing for submission to Political Analysis).

This article introduces the Comparative Cluster Analysis (CCA), a novel non-parametric methodology designed to improve the identification and validation of complex social identity clusters in political science research. The CCA method is particularly well-suited for studying non-correlated variables in acculturation research, allowing researchers to more accurately capture hybrid identities without relying on biased parametric assumptions. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of CCA in analyzing Latino acculturation orientations and emphasizes the importance of applying cluster analysis within strong theoretical frameworks to ensure robustness and validity.

Grijalva, J. A. (2024). "Acculturation, Identity, and Political Behavior: A New Lens on Latino Experiences." (Preparing for submission to American Journal of Political Science).

This article explores the influence of hybrid acculturation orientations on Latino political behavior, using data from the 2006 Latino National Survey. It examines how acculturation shapes political outcomes, including immigration policy preferences, party identification, and ideological positioning. This is the first empirical study to assess the impact of hybrid identities on Latino political behavior, challenging existing assumptions and providing fresh insights into the relationship between identity formation and political engagement.

Grijalva, J. A. (in progress). Beyond the Binary: Reimagining Acculturation in a Multicultural Age.

This book manuscript rethinks the traditional binary models of acculturation that dominate research on immigrant-origin groups, using Latinos as a case study to challenge and expand these frameworks. The book presents a multidimensional approach to understanding acculturation and identity, arguing that current models oversimplify the complexity of immigrant identities and their political behaviors. Grounded in decolonial theory and validated by innovative methodologies such as Comparative Cluster Analysis, the book aims to set a new standard for how scholars study acculturation, political behavior, and hybrid identities.

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