The Politics of Place: How Southern Identity Shapes Americans’ Racial Views

• In Event: Perspectives on Identity in American Politics

Abstract

In this project, I create a new multidimensional measurement of Southern identity that is designed to capture how much Americans adhere to sub-national cultural norms. My primary argument is that Southern identity is a placed-based cultural identity that is composed of two dimensions: high levels of place-based positive affect and psychological attachment. I suspect that Southern-identifiers across race will be more likely to adopt more individualistic racial attitudes as a result of adherence to Southern cultural values. Results from three original survey datasets suggest that Southern identity for both Blacks and Whites is associated with higher levels of individualism and black nationalism. On the other hand, I find no relationship between Southern identity and support for reparations or affirmative action. This work speaks to the need for more nuanced approaches to studying race and exploring how differences in geographic cultural context fosters sub-national identities -- and how these identities may influence American political behavior.

Author

• Princess H Williams, Amherst College