The Political Meaning of Whiteness for Liberals and Conservatives

• In Event: Conceptions of White Identity and Their Role in Contemporary U.S. Politics

Abstract

This paper analyzes open-ended survey responses among white liberals and conservatives in the U.S. to assess the role they think their racial group membership plays in how they think about politics. To date, much political science research on white racial identity documents the links between white identity and right-leaning candidate and policy preferences. Much less is known about the role of white identity for liberals. The analysis here shows that even though white liberals talk about anti-racism, privilege, and institutional racism when asked about race and politics and say that they have become more aware of their race in recent years, they do not view their own whiteness and a politically salient identity.

Author

• Deborah Schildkraut, Tufts University