An Intergroup Theories Approach to Direct Political Action among African Americans

Data from the 1984 US National Black Election Study were used to test a model of African American direct political action. Constructs derived from intergroup relations theories, churchbased resources, and socioeconomic status (SES) accounted for 72% of the variance in direct political action. The in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Group processes & intergroup relations 2004-01, Vol.7 (1), p.19-34
Main Authors: Berman, Schuyler L., Wittig, Michele A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activism
African-Americans
Biological and medical sciences
Churches
Ethnic Identity
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Group dynamics
Group Identity
Human behaviour
Human Capital
Intergroup Relations
Political Action
Political Participation
Political science
Psychology
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Social interactions. Communication. Group processes
Social psychology
Socioeconomic Status
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Summary:Data from the 1984 US National Black Election Study were used to test a model of African American direct political action. Constructs derived from intergroup relations theories, churchbased resources, and socioeconomic status (SES) accounted for 72% of the variance in direct political action. The intergroup relations portion of the model shows that group consciousness influences group identification, which in turn, predicts direct political action. The organizational resources of African American churches were shown to promote direct political action when traditional political participation was limited. These churches influenced members’ involvement in customary electoral activities as these opportunities became more accessible. This model demonstrates that intergroup relations constructs and organizational resources operate over and above the human capital implied by one’s SES.
ISSN:1368-4302
1461-7188
DOI:10.1177/1368430204039971