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L atino Heterogeneity and the Politics of Education: The Role of Context*
Author(s) -
Meier Kenneth J.,
Melton Erin K.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
social science quarterly
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.482
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1540-6237
pISSN - 0038-4941
DOI - 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2012.00869.x
Subject(s) - politics , representation (politics) , diversity (politics) , phenomenon , homogeneity (statistics) , population , political science , context (archaeology) , survey data collection , sociology , positive economics , social psychology , psychology , epistemology , geography , law , statistics , economics , demography , mathematics , philosophy , archaeology
Objective The sheer size of the L atino population in the U nited S tates has resulted in increased scholarly attention to the role L atinos play in the U . S . political system. A less‐studied phenomenon, however, is whether the diversity of L atinos matters for electoral representation. This analysis tests how L atino homogeneity might influence representation by evaluating three contingencies: L atino majority versus minority status, electoral structure, and partisan versus nonpartisan election rules. Methods This study combines original survey data with data gathered by the U . S . C ensus on the national origin of L atinos in the U nited S tates. Results L atino homogeneity affects the chances of gaining representatives; however, this impact is evident only when L atinos constitute a numerical minority, hold at‐large elections, and engage in nonpartisan contests. Conclusion Theories of representation must move beyond traditional assessments of context and examine how the seemingly negligible characteristics of minority populations might affect their prospects for politics.