The National Politics Study (NPS): Ethnic Pluralism & Politics in the 21 st Century Study Overview

Study Information Funding Sources: National Science Foundation, University of Michigan, Carnegie Corporation Field Period: August 2004 to February 2005 Expands on the 1984 & 1988 National Black Election Panel Studies, National Black Politics Study, National Asian American Politics Study, Latino National Political Survey, and the National Election Studies DataStat Inc., survey research organization

Sample Design 3,339 telephone interviews throughout U.S. –756 Black Americans –919 Non-Hispanic Whites –404 Caribbean Blacks –757 Hispanics –503 Asians English and Spanish speaking persons Ages 18 and older

“Which do you feel best describes your racial background?” 1. BLACK or AFRICAN AMERICAN 2. WHITE 3. AMERICAN INDIAN or ALASKAN NATIVE 4. ASIAN 5. PACIFIC ISLANDER 6. HISPANIC or LATINO If R gives multiple responses or says “Other/Mixed/Bi-Racial” Iwer asks: “Which one best describes your race?” Race Question

Eligibility for Caribbean Sample R says “Yes” to question “Do you consider yourself of Caribbean or West Indian descent?” R says “No” to above question, but says “Yes” to the following question: “Are you or any of your ancestors from any of the following countries: Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Guyana, Haiti or Panama?” –Respondents from these 6 countries are most likely to say “No” to the first Caribbean eligibility question

Eligibility for Hispanic Sample If R says “Hispanic & Black” to race question & “Yes” to Caribbean question = Caribbean If R says “Hispanic” (only) to race question & “Yes” to Caribbean question = Hispanic If R says “Hispanic & non-Black race” to race question & “Yes” to Caribbean question = Hispanic

Asian Ethnic Groups Chinese27956% Korean 6613% Japanese 43 9% Vietnamese 34 7% 4 Countries Represent 85% of Asian sample (unweighted) Ethnicities Most Represented Hispanic Ethnic Groups Mexican46857% Puerto Rican 75 9% Cuban 55 7% Dominican 44 5% 4 Countries Represent 78% of Hispanic sample (unweighted)

Survey Instrument Overview Interviews in English and Spanish Areas Covered in Survey: –Demographics –Political Knowledge, Preferences, Behaviors –Race, Politics, Attitudes & Ideology –Social Ideology and Social Policy –Religion –Subjective Financial Assessment

General Research Objectives Gather comparative data about political attitudes, beliefs, aspirations, and behaviors in order to advance the study & knowledge of race and ethnic involvement in politics Examine how identity, consciousness, ideological beliefs, socio-demographic, social and economic status factors influence the political lives of people that differ in ethnic and racial background, immigration and citizenship status, and geographical dispersion

NPS Conceptual Model Acculturation/ ‘Cultural Integration’ Values Ethnic Identity Group Consciousness Sense of Collective Obligations Religious Public Involvement Racial Attitudes/ Inter-Group Interactions Candidate Preferences Policy Preferences Political Attitudes & Activities

NPS Study Goals 1.Examine the following concepts across the 5 study groups: group consciousness organizational attachments party identification policy preferences candidate evaluations out-group attitudes attitudes toward civil liberties rates of political participation among citizens candidate preferences evaluations of parties

NPS Study Goals 2.Explore relationships between concepts: 3.Assess the extent to which the study groups view out-groups as potential competitors or allies in achieving their political objectives Group Consciousness Informal & Formal Group Affiliation Engagement In Political Action Candidate Preferences & Evaluation

Sample Socio-Demographics* BlackWhiteCaribbeanHispanicAsian Age (mean) Education (HS or more) 87%96%85%72%98% Family Income (median) $40,000$60,000$48,000$34,000$80,000 Female63%57%64%57%41% Homeowner54%79%47%50%72% Married33%57%36%52%61% U.S. Born97%94%48%46%25% * Preliminary, Unweighted Results

Outcomes of the NPS In-depth data on important Black American, Caribbean Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Non-Hispanic White populations at the beginning of the new century Data that go beyond demographic and economic descriptions Important social, behavioral and attitudinal data for new scientific discoveries and public policy relevant decision- making Large enough samples to investigate within group differences and similarities – especially environmental influences Cross-National Comparisons Tremendous resource for new investigators interested in ethnic and racial diversity in political attitudes and behaviors