Public policy has recognized the need to develop selective programs that zero in on the needs of specific racial subgroups (especially those Chicanos, Cubans, and Puerto Ricans of mixed racial backgrounds). However, entering the 1970's, the strategy of approaching social problems in terms of their impact upon subgroups has been politically attacked as being nationally divisive. Yet it remains highly doubtful that public policies designed to enhance the earning power of individuals (i.e., manpower programs focusing on the quantitative dimensions of labor supply as opposed to fiscal and monetary policies focusing on the quantitative dimensions of labor demand) can function successfully under any other economic mandate. The thesis that racial subgroups require special attention implies that there is a differential in the economic experience between the various subgroups. These unequal results are due either to barriers presented by the operations of society's institutions or to cultural and social characteristics of the subgroup which restrict easy assimilation into the larger society. This paper explores some of the effects that selective cultural and social characteristics (i.e., incidence of poverty, educational attainment, family characteristics, language) of Chicanos may exert upon the need for effective manpower policies. It is posited that there is a definite need for fragmented policy measures if assurances of equal economic opportunities are to be provided to all individuals in all racial subgroups. (Author/NQ)