Examining How Southern Identity Shapes Black Political Behavior

• In Event: Identity and Politics

Abstract

This paper explores whether meaningful sub-national identities developed from attachment to place exist, and if so, how these identities might influence citizens’ political preferences across race and geography. Previous researchers have largely theorized about regional distinctiveness of White Americans in the American South. Analysis of observational survey data, however, also suggests that Black Americans who reside in Southern states are politically distinct in terms of their perceptions of social issues and some racial issues. Examining data from the General Social Survey, 2008-2016 (GSS) and American National Elections Studies, 2008-2016 (ANES) to explore the relationship between Southern residency and political behavior, Southern residency elucidates much variation in Black public opinion that has previously been underexplored. My primary argument is that feelings of attachment to the American South (e.g., Southern identity) has political implications for Blacks' public opinions about some policies and issues, as it does for White public opinion. Thus, I create and test a direct measurement of Southern identity to examine whether it is associated with more conservative policy positions regarding racial, economic, and social issues for Black and White Americans.

Author

• Princess Hope Williams, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor