ABSTRACT
The 1990 census figures for California’s generations paint a picture of potential interethnic and intergenerational conflict in the very near future. The economy of the state is quickly and increasingly being driven by Latinos and others of the emergent majority population. Their economic success, or failure, will influence the future economic and social well-being of the largely Anglo elderly population in California. Latino poverty and low education have often been interpreted as evidence of major individual, familial, and social disintegration. The model of the urban underclass does much to feed the notion that Latinos can only be a drag on the state’s economy and public sector. The key step will be to forge alliances across ethnic groups and across generations. This may not be impossible. Clearly, Latinos and Anglos share some values—hard work, strong families, healthy behaviors, and the like.
