The implications of class, race and ethnicity for political networks

Previous research demonstrates the importance of citizens’ communication networks in the formation of political behavior. Yet most findings are limited to samples of Whites or the interaction of Whites with their discussants. This paper extends our attention to the social networks of Blacks, Latinos, Asians, and non-citizens, and explores how communication processes differ across them. Using data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality, we first compare various characteristics of social networks across racial and ethnic groups. Second, we test whether the network-based advantages of Whites, compared to other groups, result from differences in individual socio-economic status or from group-based social resources. Third, we investigate whether inter-racial interaction affects race-related attitudes. In conclusion, we urge scholars who study social networks to recognize the important consequences of racial diversity for more fully understanding the political behavior of all Americans, whether Anglo, Black, Latino or Asian.