Symbolic Racism or Self-Interest? Comparing Rural and Urban Worries about Obamacare

Abstract

Framed by the theory of symbolic racism versus self-interest, this study sought to investigate differences, if any, between rural and urban residents' concerns about Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act). First, we found that rural residents are significantly more worried about Obamacare. Second, regarding symbolic racism, ratings of Muslims (but not blacks or immigrants) predicted worry about Obamacare for rural and urban respondents. Third, different self-interest measures were predictive for the rural and urban samples. Rural residents who worried about becoming ill were more worried about Obamacare. Urban residents who worried about money were more worried about Obamacare. We conclude with recommendations for framing health care reform in ways that might reduce concerns among rural and urban people.