The Effect of Racial Group Consciousness on the Political Participation of African Americans and Black Pan-Ethnics in Miami-Dade County, Florida

Abstract

Using an original survey, we probe whether African Americans and Black Pan-Ethnics possess a racial group consciousness, and if so, what impact this has on their political participation. The main research questions examine, first, whether African Americans and Black Pan-Ethnics posses a shared racial group consciousness. Second, we ask whether there is a general overall increase in political participation within these two communities or only in specific forms of political participation. Third, we query whether group consciousness, political efficacy, or socioeconomic status most influences African Americans and Black Pan-Ethnics to participate in the political process.

Keywords: African Americans, Black Pan-Ethnics, Miami-Dade County, racial group consciousness