Linked by Race, Bound by Discrimination: Understanding the Impact of Discrimination on Race-Based Linked Fate

• In Event: Political Representation: Race, Gender, and Age II

Abstract

This project examines how racial discrimination influences linked fate — the belief that one’s personal fate is tied to their racial group's fate — among Black, White, and Latinx Americans. While linked fate is key to Black political behavior, less is known about its determinants for other racial groups. I conduct a survey experiment testing how discrimination shapes linked fate and group consciousness. Participants from Black, White, and Latinx groups are exposed to social media vignettes describing racial discrimination through a fictional social media post about college admissions. Using this sample, I can look at differences in linked fate amongst the three racial groups. This study hopes to address the relationship between discrimination and linked fate. Findings will highlight how race based discrimination impact group consciousness and political behavior.

Author

• Josiah van Egdom, Syracuse University