Americanness Hierarchies: Partisanship and Perceptions of Racial Group Positions

Abstract

This study offers novel empirical insight and theoretical interventions regarding how Whites, Blacks, Latinos, and Asians are perceived in terms of “Americanness” among a nationally representative sample of White adults in the United States. The findings reveal that perceptions of racial groups’ Americanness differ significantly by political identification. Republicans and Independents typically regard Whites as the most American, but their opinions vary on other racial groups. Contrary to prior research, Republicans perceive Asians as more American than Latinos and Blacks, treating the latter two groups as essentially equal in terms of Americanness. In contrast, Democrats consider Blacks the most American, clearly differentiating them from other racial minorities. This research illuminates the subjective and politicized dimensions of status within the American national community and challenges existing theories on the hierarchical positioning of racial groups.