Abstract
This paper draws from my forthcoming book, Other People of Color (NYU Press). It shares how I found that—though they feel deeply committed to social justice—young adults in what I call the U.S.’ “racialized middle” (i.e., those whom the Census would categorize as Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, and/ or Two of More Races) remain largely disengaged from electoral politics. I argue that this disconnection is not rooted in apathy, but in lack of meaningful local networks, the moralization of politics, and disillusionment with state institutions. And I show that, while many in the racialized middle are turning/ have turned to alternative forms of civic action—e.g. protests and digital organizing—these behaviors offer a note of caution: without addressing the systemic barriers that alienate these young citizens from each other and from formal democratic participation, they risk reinforcing their civic exclusion.
Presenters
Evelyn RodriguezProfessor, Sociology, University of San Francisco, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Race, Ethnic Minorities, Civic Participation, Political Apathy, Young Adults, USA
