Hispanic women want more economic freedom, poll shows

Latina women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the United States. Whether in the workforce, the classroom, or the voting booth, their influence is growing rapidly. 

 A recent poll conducted by The LIBRE Institute of Hispanics left us with some very interesting insights  on the key issues on the  minds of Latinas and perspectives on today’s America.  

Let’s dive into the numbers.  

What’s on the minds of Latina women? 

When it comes to what keeps Latina women up at night, the economy is at the top of the list. Here’s what the poll revealed: 

• 42% are most concerned about inflation. 

• 33% are focused on the economy in general. 

• 16% are worried about immigration. 

• 16% are concerned about health care.  

The poll shows that Latinas, just like everyone else in America, are fed up with higher prices  making their lives more expensive. This should not be surprising, as Americans are paying $13,140 more by the end of this year to afford the same lifestyle they had in January 2021.   

Immigration and health care are the two other issues most important to Latinas, albeit they are far behind in the ranking.   

Latina women vs. Latino men: Who’s more worried about the economy? 

Our polling shows that while angst about the economy is widespread among Hispanics, with 76% of Hispanics saying the economy is either fair or in poor shape, Latina women are much more concerned about it than Hispanic men.   

• 81% of Latina women rate the economy as either fair or poor, ten points higher than the 71% of Latino men who think the same. 

• 45% believe the economy will get worse over the next four years, while 38% of Latino men think the same. 

• 78% say it’s hard to find a good-paying job, a bit higher than the 71% of Latino men who say the same. 

• Most worrisome, Latinas are less likely to believe in the American Dream than men. Only 67% of Hispanic women agreed compared to 75% of men.  

The top-down economy approach of the last four years has not worked for Americans, especially for Latina women.  

Latinas have the drive and tools to prosper 

Not everything is bad news, however.  

Hispanic women might feel more pessimistic about the economy, but they have all the tools and motivation to thrive in America. According to our poll, many of them have tried to start a new business or have a family member who has, and the vast majority of Latinas have some level of college education:  

• 51% of Hispanic women have tried to start a new business or have someone in their family who has tried to start one. 

• 76% of Latina women have at least some college education, with 42% of them graduating from either technical school or college or finishing a post-college degree.  

Hispanic women are overwhelmingly for school choice  

As educational attainment among Latinas continues to grow, it is critical to ensure Hispanics have access to the educational opportunities that work best for them. 

Latinos should not be limited from getting the best education for them just because of their ZIP code.  

That’s why LIBRE pushes hard for policies like school choice or adding more educational pathways for young Hispanics. 

The great news: Latinas overwhelmingly agree with us. 

• 76% of Hispanic women support school choice. 

• 62% think expanding school choice will help public schools in their area. 

• 95% of Latinas think there should be more technical and professional development and educational opportunities.  

Latina women are worried about the economy but have what it takes to succeed. With a strong drive and more education than ever, they’re ready to make a significant impact.  

As their influence grows, one thing is clear: Like all Americans, they need the government to step aside and let them thrive.