Attitudes toward Black Lives Matter and Blue Lives Matter

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Individual attitudes are the result of a complex set of unique circumstances, experiences and interests, which, in turn, occur within an intricate set of political economic and social factors. Consequently, our attitudes are rarely, if ever, straightforward or simple, rational nor consistent. By way of an example, this study examines attitudes toward both the Black Lives Matter movement and its countermovement, Blue Lives Matter. The common assumption is that support for these vastly different movements is mutually exclusive. Preliminary results from an online survey administered to a random sample of criminology and criminal justice majors at a rural, Southwestern university, however, demonstrate that it is possible to hold supportive attitudes simultaneously for both movements. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

Author

• Michael Costelloe, Northern Arizona University