An Institutional Analysis : Racial Group Identity, Group Consciousness and Political Socialization

The research is an empirical analysis of how racial group identity and group consciousness impact the political socialization processes of state legislators. Essentially, the study seeks to discern how race influence patterns of political socialization at the elite level. Theoretically, I predict that racial differences in the political socialization experiences of state legislators will significantly affect their political behavior (e.g., agenda setting). The data derive from interviews of state legislators conducted during the late 1990's and early 2000's which illuminate the political background and orientations, attitudes and policy initiatives of legislators