Asian Americans’ Perception of Intergroup Commonality with Blacks and Latinos: The Roles of Group Consciousness, Ethnic Identity, and Intergroup Contact

Abstract

This study explores the factors that influence Asian Americans’ perception of interracial commonality with Blacks and Latinos. Using the 2018 Civic Engagement and Political Participation of Asian Americans Survey, this research tests a model of competing theoretical explanations for Asian Americans’ intergroup commonality: group consciousness, group identity, views of discrimination, and intergroup contact. Results from ordered logistic regression analyses suggest that group consciousness, ethnic identity, and intergroup contact via friendship are robust predictors of Asian Americans’ feelings of closeness to Blacks and Latinos. However, Asian Americans’ perceptions of discrimination are unlikely to result in higher levels of the perceived commonality with outgroups. This study provides a valuable addition to the existing literature on interminority relations by identifying opportunities for Asian Americans to join cross-racial alliances. The conclusion of the article points to the important role that community-based organizations can play in bringing specific Asian American ethnic groups into such coalitions and promoting direct interactions between Asian Americans and other racial groups.

The impact of neighborhoods and friendships on interracial anxiety among medical students and residents: A report from the medical student CHANGES study

“…When interracial contact occurs, particularly in the context of interracial friendships, it predicts more positive intergroup attitudes toward members of different racial or ethnic groups (e.g., White Americans toward Black Americans) 36 . Other studies show that interracial friendships have positive impacts on non‐White groups as well, citing increased perceptions of commonality 37 . Greater contact also produces lower levels of interracial anxiety, 38 which reduces avoidance and hostility 1 and improves the quality of intergroup interactions 39 .…”

“… 36 Other studies show that interracial friendships have positive impacts on non‐White groups as well, citing increased perceptions of commonality. 37 Greater contact also produces lower levels of interracial anxiety, 38 which reduces avoidance and hostility 1 and improves the quality of intergroup interactions. 39 These findings suggest that the racial socialization of students entering medical training is likely to have a powerful impact on the development of interracial anxiety among future physicians.…”

Predicting group consciousness among Asian Americans: Considering commonalities, shared interests, panethnic group identification, and linked fate

“…Another study by Min (2014) explored other forms of Asian group consciousness focusing on support for Asian American candidates but did not examine other aspects considered in the current study nor did the author examine its associated predictors. Finally, while the author did not test the effects of the variables examined in the current study on various measures of group consciousness, Park (2021) tested the role of group consciousness measured by the belief that “Asians should work together to gain political power” on intergroup commonality with Black Americans.…”