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Constructing a Language Problem: Paternalism, Power Devaluation, and the Legitimation of Nativism in English-only Laws

Sun, August 17, 12:30 to 1:30pm, TBA

Abstract

Between 1984 and 2010, the "English-only" movement successfully lobbied for legislation to make English the official language of 24 states and to restrict bilingual public education in three others. Using county-level data on voting outcomes in states that voted on anti-bilingual-education laws, I evaluate both class- and status-based explanations for movement support. I find support for the status-based power devaluation perspective—an alternative to the dominant theories of symbolic politics—and for a "new nativism" grounded in fiscal conservatism. Ironically, support for English-only legislation tends to be highest where immigrants are making the most gains in terms of language acquisition.

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