When Ideologies Agree and Interests Collide, What's a Leader to Do? The Prospects for Latino-Jewish Coalition in Los Angeles

Abstract

Focuses on Latino-Jewish dynamics in Los Angeles to contend that, although shared political interests are the basis for interethnic/interracial coalitions, each group's perceptions of its immediate interests, as well as the ability of leaders to push them forward, can strengthen or shatter a coalition. The impact of demographic changes on urban politics is examined, along with the common belief that Latinos & Jews constitute a new moderate alliance in big-city politics that was demonstrated by their joint support for mayoral candidates opposed by African Americans in both New York & Los Angeles. Nonetheless, it is argued that there is little evidence of a Latino-Jewish coalition in Los Angeles because of vast differences between the two groups in terms of socioeconomic status & role in the civic culture. The implications for a theory of interracial coalition are discussed, noting that ideology & interest are not enough for coalition building. Rather, outcomes of interracial coalitions are largely shaped & influenced by leadership & the degree of trust that develops at the leadership level. 1 Table, 24 References. J. Lindroth