Varieties of Political Engagement: Activists and Dissidents

Marginalized, but not demobilized: Ethnic minority protest activity when facing discrimination

“…Our findings indicate that although ethnic minorities might be marginalized by discrimination, this does not mean they are demobilized politically. Indeed, like others before us ( Bilodeau, 2017 ; Heath et al, 2013 ; Martin, 2016 ; Wrinkle et al, 1996 ), we observed that ethnic minorities reporting experiences of discrimination are more likely to be involved in various forms of protest activities than those who do not report mistreatment. When discriminated against, ethnic minorities appear to seek out the same forms of political activity historically used by the marginalized strata of society.…”

“…In relation to the main purpose of our investigation, the analyses indicate that perceived discrimination is positively linked to all three forms of protest participation and to the multi-item index of participation, a finding largely in line with previous studies ( Bilodeau, 2017 ; Heath et al, 2013 ; Martin, 2016 ; Valdez, 2011 ). As presented in Figure 1 , visible minorities reporting more frequent discrimination express a greater propensity to join boycotts.…”

“…With regard to protest (and other non-electoral) activities, a few studies document greater political engagement among those reporting experiences of discrimination. In the United Kingdom, Heath et al (2013) observe that ethnic minorities reporting discrimination are more likely to engage in protest activities, a finding replicated by Martin (2016) for the specific case of British Muslims. In the United States, Wrinkle et al (1996) observe that discrimination is associated with greater non-electoral participation among Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans, a relationship also observed among Latinos ( Valdez, 2011 ).…”

“…One focuses on personal experiences of discrimination (e.g. Bilodeau, 2017 ; Heath et al, 2013 ; Valdez, 2011 ; Wrinkle et al, 1996 ) whereas the other focuses on individual perceptions that their own ethnic group is a victim of discrimination in the community (e.g. Chong and Rogers, 2005 ; Heath et al, 2013 ; Maxwell, 2006 ; Oskooii, 2016 ).…”

“… Bilodeau, 2017 ; Heath et al, 2013 ; Valdez, 2011 ; Wrinkle et al, 1996 ) whereas the other focuses on individual perceptions that their own ethnic group is a victim of discrimination in the community (e.g. Chong and Rogers, 2005 ; Heath et al, 2013 ; Maxwell, 2006 ; Oskooii, 2016 ). In line with the first approach, our study measures ethnic minorities’ personal experiences of discrimination.…”