Policy symmetry and cross-racial linked fate in the early years of the Obama presidency

ABSTRACT

The United States is undergoing a significant demographic shift that will have critical implications for education, economics, and politics. Combined, Latinos and African Americans will become the majority population by 2050, although it is questionable if this demographic shift will improve their marginalized economic and social positions. It has been noted that due to perceived commonality the two groups are likely political allies. However, there is limited work in how Blacks and Latinos develop different or similar policy positions that may impact coalition development. We posit a theory of policy symmetry to explain the complexities of coalition development among these groups by utilizing the 2010 Blair–Rockefeller Poll and the 2012 Blair–Clinton School Poll. Analyses address the cohesion and divide between these two groups in terms of levels of support for liberal policies. We found that cross-racial linked fate had the most positive impact on Black and Latino policy symmetry, while resource competition and inter-group stereotypes adversely affected policy symmetry between the groups.

KEYWORDS:

• African American politics
• health policy
• public policy
• Latino/a politics

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.