Racial Minority Group Relations in a Multiracial Society

Abstract

Draws on 1990s aggregate census data for 96 US cities to assess whether changing demographics will lead to increased competition or the formation of coalitions among blacks, Asian Americans, & Latinos. Special attention is given to the impact of political, economic, & social conditions on interactions between racial/ethnic groups. It is indicated that when positive socioeconomic indicators like employment & higher incomes elevated the success of one group, the likelihood of success among other racial/ethnic groups also increased. Although this appeared to promote a degree of cooperation among minority groups in relation to socioeconomic factors, not only did it not lessen competition over political positions, but also, the political success of one group decreased the chances of success for other groups. Survey data from 1993 & 1995, along with recent anecdotal evidence, are drawn on to look at the perceptions members of minority groups have of others. It is found that blacks, Latinos, & Asian Americans held negative stereotypes of each other that have served to increase intergroup tensions. 4 Tables, 49 References. J. Lindroth