White Polarization on Black Lives

• In Event: Understanding the Determinants of White Americans' Racial Attitudes

Abstract

Among White individuals, have attitudes toward the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement polarized over time? What are the predictors that influence this polarization? In this article, BLM polarization is defined as a growing expansion of opposing feelings toward the BLM movement. Using American National Election Studies (ANES) 2016-2020 panel data, my results show that respondents’ attitudes toward the BLM movement have diverged. An analysis of mean comparisons and first difference models reveals that White participants with high levels of social dominance orientation, racial resentment, authoritarianism, and a Democratic party affiliation showed more positive feelings toward the movement over time, while White individuals with low levels of these socio-psychological orientations or a Republican party attachment displayed an increase in negative feelings toward BLM. Lastly, liberal and conservative media outlets influence respondents’ change in feelings toward the BLM movement.

Author

• McKenzie Bennett, University of Notre Dame