Comparative Ethnic Politics in the United States: Beyond Black and White

Posted: 10 Jan 2008

See all articles by Gary M. Segura

Gary M. Segura

University of Washington - Department of Political Science

Helena A. Rodrigues

University of Florida - Department of Political Science

Abstract

The study of race in American politics has largely been confined to the examination of African-Americans and their relations with whites. Demographic changes in the American population necessitate that we broaden this perspective to include other nonwhite groups. In this essay, we examine the similarities and differences between African-Americans on the one hand and Latinos and Asian-Americans on the other. In particular, we identify factors that are likely to distinguish the political experiences of these groups, focusing particularly on the roles of immigration and group identity. We also examine the state of knowledge regarding circumstances under which intergroup competition and cooperation are likely to occur. We suggest that neither competition nor cooperation is inevitable; rather, the emergence of either will be contingent on the specific historical and demographic circumstances of the community and the choices and attitudes of both political elites and mass publics.

Keywords: Latino, Asian-Americans, intergroup conflict, immigration, identity

Suggested Citation

Segura, Gary M. and Rodrigues, Helena A., Comparative Ethnic Politics in the United States: Beyond Black and White. Annual Review of Political Science, Vol. 9, June 2006, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1082039

Gary M. Segura (Contact Author)

University of Washington - Department of Political Science ( email )

101 Gowen Hall
Box 353530
Seattle, WA 98195
United States

Helena A. Rodrigues

University of Florida - Department of Political Science ( email )

PO Box 117325
Gainesville, FL 32611-7325
United States

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