Immigrant Threat, American Identity, and White Americans’ Views on Police Reform

• In Event: Attitudes About Race, Ethnicity, and Criminal Justice Policy

Abstract

This study draws on the conflict perspective and social identity theory to explore how American identity and perceptions of immigrant threat shape White attitudes toward police reform. Using a nationally representative sample of White Americans, we explore how perceptions of immigrant threat among Whites influence their support for (or opposition to) police reform initiatives. We also investigate the role of American identity in moderating this relationship. We find that both immigrant threat and generalized racial resentment consistently predict opposition to reforms like defunding the police and support for reforms relating to increasing police presence. The implications of these findings for theory, research, and policy will be discussed.

Authors

• Jonathan Reid, Texas A&M University

• Javier Ramos, Sam Houston State University

• Samantha Brown, University of North Florida