The Political Participation of Asian Americans: Voting Behavior in Southern California (Studies in Asian Americans)

Lien, Pei-te

ISBN 10: 0815329849 / ISBN 13: 9780815329848

Published by Routledge, 1997

About this Item

Based on the empirical analysis of surveys explores the relation between ethnic identity and electoral political participation on three levels: between the four major racial/ethnic groups Americans, inside the multi-ethnic Asian American population, and among Koreans as a specific ethnic group. Emp Series: Studies in Asian Americans. Num Pages: 200 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: 1KBB; JFC; JHM. Category: (UP) Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly; (UU) Undergraduate. Dimension: 216 x 138 x 15. Weight in Grams: 400. . 1997. 1st Edition. hardcover. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780815329848

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Political Participation of Asian Americans: Voting Behavior in Southern California (Studies in Asian Americans)
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0815329849
• ISBN 13: 9780815329848
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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)

About the Author

Lien, Pei-te