Understanding Latina Political Behavior

• In Event: Gender and Voting Behavior

Abstract

This paper seeks to provide a baseline for understanding the political behavior of Latinas in the U.S. electorate by investigating their political incorporation and participation. A substantial literature examines Latino political behavior as a whole. Additionally, an emerging and important literature examines the role of Latinas in political office, or as candidates. Yet, work that seeks to understand the dynamics of Latina political behavior in the U.S. electorate is scarce. Similarly, a growing literature on the political behavior of women in the U.S. electorate has provided valuable insight on the political behavior of black and white women, and or the differences between the behavior of white women and women of color. However, a perspective on the role of the behavior of Latinas in the US electorate has yet to be understood. We begin this exploratory research by testing the differences in responses between Latinas, African-American women and white women on questions regarding linked fate, voter turnout and candidate choice in the 2016 Presidential election. The results will then inform how to proceed with answering the question of Latina political incorporation. The goal of this work is to begin to deepen our understanding of the political behavior of Latinas, who comprise half of the fastest growing segment of the U.S. electorate.

Authors

• Linda Alvarez, California State University, Northridge

• Lisa Pringle, Claremont Graduate University