Behind the Mule: Race and Class in African-American Politics

by Michael C. Dawson

Political scientists and social choice theorists often assume that economic diversification within a group produces divergent political beliefs and behaviors. Michael Dawson demonstrates, however, that the growth of a black middle class has left race as the dominant influence on African- American politics. Why have African Americans remained so united in most of their political attitudes? To account for this phenomenon, Dawson develops a new theory of group interests that emphasizes perceptions of "linked fates" and black economic subordination.

Genres: Political Science, Race, History, Academic, Nonfiction, Politics, Social Justice

248 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 1994

About the author

Michael C. Dawson is John D. MacArthur Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science and the College at the University of Chicago.

Reviews

[Indranil Kar]

Read this for my thesis. The theories make sense and I enjoyed reading this book.

[Ietrio]

If it's "African American Politics" than it has everything to do with race, and not much to do with anything else. Class is just the signal that Dawson belongs to one of the many churches of Marxism.

[Shalon Montgomery]

This is a dissertation, textbook or something of that nature. My reason for stating the previous is this book doesn't seem to know its supposed to keep your attention. I forced myself through page 92 then finally gave up. His information becomes redundant quickly. His references concerning historical events are the book's only intriguing element.

Unless you are an African American who has never questioned his or her existence this book does little for you. But keep in mind this was published in 1995.


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