Defines the field of ethnic studies and explores its methodologies.

Hispanic peoples are the fastest growing minority in the United States, yet the literature on Hispanics as a group is very sparse. This is the first large-scale survey to cover the history, politics, and culture of all major Hispanic groups (including Cubans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Chicanos) in the United States. The authors begin by examining the Spanish legacy of the Southwest, the beginnings of large-scale Mexican immigration into the borderlands after the turn of the century, socioeconomic changes brought about by World War I, and changes in the demographic composition of the nation as a result of later immigration. They next discuss in detail the national debate over immigration, asking, for example, whether immigrants compete for jobs and social services, whether the Immigration and Naturalization Service is capable of handling the flow of immigrants, and whether employer sanctions are just. They also describe the immigrants themselves—their educational levels, occupational backgrounds, and experiences in adapting to life in the United States—stressing the difference between the various groups in these areas. Finally, Drs. Gann and Duignan look at Hispanic culture, including politics, education, sports, and social problems. This pioneering study argues that immigration is a positive experience for both the newcomers and the local communities into which they settle.

The diversity education literature, both nationally and internationally, is broad and diffuse. Consequently, there needs to be a systematic and logical way to organize and present the state of research for students and professionals. American citizens need to understand the dynamics of their increasingly diverse communities and institutions and the global world in which we live, work, and lead. With continually evolving information on diversity policies, practices, and programs, it is important to have one place where students, scholars, teachers, and policymakers can examine and explore research, policy, and practice issues and find answers to important questions about how diversity in U.S. education—enriched with theories, research and practices in other nations—are explained and communicated, and how they affect institutional change at both the K-12 and postsecondary levels. With about 700 signed entries with cross-references and recommended readings, the Encyclopedia of Diversity in Education (4 volumes, in both print and electronic formats) will present research and statistics, case studies, and best practices, policies, and programs at pre- and postsecondary levels. Diversity is a worldwide phenomenon, and while most of the entries in the Encyclopedia will focus on the United States, diversity issues and developments in nations around the world, including the United States, are intricately connected. Consequently, to illuminate the many aspects of diversity, this volume will contain entries from different nations in the world in order to illuminate the myriad aspects of diversity. From A-to-Z, this Encyclopedia will cover the full spectrum of diversity issues, including race, class, gender, religion, language, exceptionality, and the global dimensions of diversity as they relate to education. This four-volume reference work will be the definitive reference for diversity issues in education in the United States and the world.