Thoughts on Moving Forward with Racial Resentment

Abstract

In this essay, we attempt to move beyond the Kinder and Sanders (1996) conceptualization and measurement of racial resentment by focusing more on “resentment.” We address some critical issues with the measurement and current conceptualization of racial resentment, and then ask and answer “what is resentment,” “why does resentment come about,” “what is already known about resentment,” and give some thoughts on how existing theories can help understand the role of resentment in American politics and racial attitudes. While somewhat critical of the existing racial resentment concept, the ultimate goal of this research is to advance the discussion and research on emotional reactions to race (i.e., racial attitudes), in the political sphere.

Keywords: Racial Resentment, Racial Attitudes, Measurement, Racism, Prejudice