Trajectory of Asian American Nonpartisanship: Transitory, Transitional, or End State?

LK Le, P Ong - New Political Science, 2018 - Taylor & Francis
LK Le, P Ong
New Political Science, 2018Taylor & Francis
Scholarship holds that high rates of party identification constitute a key marker of successful
immigrant incorporation, yet rates of Democratic or Republican affiliation remain surprisingly
low among Asian Americans. This longitudinal study investigates the extent to which
nonpartisanship for Asian Americans is stable or likely to change. Using a unique dataset
that matches cases with corresponding observations over time, the analysis finds that No
Preference is relatively permanent for individuals from large segments of Asian America …
Abstract
Scholarship holds that high rates of party identification constitute a key marker of successful immigrant incorporation, yet rates of Democratic or Republican affiliation remain surprisingly low among Asian Americans. This longitudinal study investigates the extent to which nonpartisanship for Asian Americans is stable or likely to change. Using a unique dataset that matches cases with corresponding observations over time, the analysis finds that No Preference is relatively permanent for individuals from large segments of Asian America. Low party support from Asian Americans is likely affected by weak party outreach. More than that, however, parties are a central organizing institution for aggregating the interests of and advocating for the base. Therefore, one potential consequence is that Asian Americans may be less effective in institutionalizing their interests and priorities in party politicking and in the political mainstream. This type of marginalization merits substantial reconsideration in a democratic and inclusive society.
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