The Political Participation of Asian Americans: Voting Behavior in Southern California / Edition 1

by Pei-te Lien

Overview

Despite the size and relative prosperity of the Asian American ethnic population, the participation of Asian Americans in electoral politics has been low. This study explores the relationship between ethnic identity and political participation on three levels-between the four major racial/ethnic groups of the American nation, inside the multi-ethnic Asian American population, and within a specific Asian American ethnic group (Koreans).
Empirical analysis of surveys dealing with ethnic identity, experience, and voting behavior reveals the complexity of Asian American identities and the importance of both positive and negative experiences in shaping political participation. While, in general, individuals of Asian descent tend to participate less in electoral politics, the political involvement of those with a stronger sense of pan-Asian or specific ethnic identity are more complex. Political participation can be increased by a greater sense of group consciousness and identification of interests with either the panethnic group or a specific ethnic group. Most importantly, the socio-political context shapes the impact of ethnicity on political participation. The experience of Korean Americans in southern California exemplifies this process-Koreans, often victimized by hate crimes, were politicized by the riots following the trial of LAPD officers in the Rodney King incident.
The study concludes with a discussion of the meaning of electoral participation and financial contributions for Asian Americans, and of the role of political parties, interest groups, and media in the mobilization of Asian Americans into mainstream politics.
(Ph.D. dissertation, University of Florida, 1995; revised with new preface, and foreword)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815329848
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/01/1997
Series:	Studies in Asian Americans
Edition description:	REVISED
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Tables, Figures, Preface, Acknowledgments, 1. Introduction, 2. Theories of Ethnicity and Political Participation Definition of Key Concepts, 3. Methodology, 4. The Political Participation of Asian Americans in a Multiethnic Setting: Results of the Southern California Survey, 5. Another Look at Asian American Ethnicity: Integration of Korean Immigrants in Los Angeles, 1992, 6. Does (Under-)Participation Matter?, 7. Conclusion, Appendices, References, Index