Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, and the Pursuit of the American Dream

by Christina M. Greer

Overview

The steady immigration of black populations from Africa and the Caribbean over the past few decades has fundamentally changed the racial, ethnic, and political landscape in the United States. But how will these "new blacks" behave politically in America? Using an original survey of New York City workers and multiple national data sources, Christina M. Greer explores the political significance of ethnicity for new immigrant and native-born blacks. In an age where racial and ethnic identities intersect, intertwine, and interact in increasingly complex ways, Black Ethnics offers a powerful and rigorous analysis of black politics and coalitions in the post-Civil Rights era.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190236786
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	06/06/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Christina M. Greer is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Fordham University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction 1 A Theory of Black Elevated Minority Status 2 “Where did you come from and what should I call you?” How a NYC Labor Union Explains Changing Demographics 3 Political Participation and the Socialization of Blacks into Unions and the Polity 4 “You Win Some, You Lose Some”: Hard Work and the Black Pursuit of the American Dream 5 Union Leadership and Policy Choices: Trends in Neutral and Racial Government Policies Conclusion Appendices Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

"If Black Ethnics had focused on only one of its two subjects - the racial and ethnic identities of foreign-born blacks in the United States, or the racial and political activities of an important public sector labor union - it would have been valuable and illuminating. Its gift to readers is attention to both of these subjects as well as the relationships connecting them. That makes it a stunning and original piece of research. We learn a great deal from Greer's empathetic and insightful study."-Jennifer Hochschild, Harvard University

"Christina Greer's ambitious and persuasive book simultaneously engages scholarship in race and ethnicity, immigration, and public opinion; analyzes new data on black attitudes; and introduces a novel theory of black ethnic relations. Plus, it's a treat to read. An important and original contribution, Black Ethnics will be invaluable to scholars of Black studies, political science, sociology, and beyond."-Jane Junn, University of Southern California

"This important and perceptive book is a major contribution to our understanding of the politics of black ethnic diversity. Greer skillfully mines data from a rare New York City survey as well as national polls to generate a series of nuanced political profiles of African Americans, Afro-Caribbean immigrants, and African immigrants. While revealing what is politically distinctive about each of these groups, she also identifies areas of political convergence and conflict among them. The result is an empirically rich and theoretically insightful account of the complexities of contemporary black politics and the challenges all blacks continue face in their pursuit of the American Dream."-Reuel Rogers, Northwestern University

From the Publisher