The Unequal Representation of Latinos and Whites

We compare the ideological proximity of Latinos and whites to their Members of Congress (MCs), demonstrating the degree to which Latinos are underrepresented compared to whites. We show how this representation gap varies with group differences in electoral turnout and income, district ethnic composi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of politics 2007-11, Vol.69 (4), p.1032-1046
Main Authors: Griffin, John D., Newman, Brian
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
African Americans
Congressional voting
Electoral districts
Ethnicity
Hispanic Americans
Hispanics
Latin American Cultural Groups
Legislative Bodies
Legislators
Legislatures
Minority Groups
Minority voters
Political parties
Political Representation
Political science
Voting
White people
Whites
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Summary:We compare the ideological proximity of Latinos and whites to their Members of Congress (MCs), demonstrating the degree to which Latinos are underrepresented compared to whites. We show how this representation gap varies with group differences in electoral turnout and income, district ethnic composition, and MCs' ethnicity and party affiliation. We find that Latinos' unequal representation is not simply a function of the group's numerical minority status. Concentrating Latinos in congressional districts does not necessarily translate into more equal representation. However, several factors can enhance the equality of Latinos' representation—participation in elections and representation by both Latinos and Democrats.
ISSN:0022-3816
1468-2508
DOI:10.1111/j.1468-2508.2007.00605.x