Cultural Diversity in Local Politics
Cultural Diversity in Local Politics
Overview
This paper explores the limits and potentials of ethnic and racial coalition building in Los Angeles. The demographic changes that have occurred in Los
Angeles during the past twenty years have been extraordinary, both in scope and diversity. The area has witnessed a literal boom in population growth, increasing from 7 million in 1970 to 8.8 million in 1990. (US Bureau of the Census) However, it is the dramatic change in ethnic and racial diversity of the population which has caught most observers attention.
Los Angeles has taken on a new form in terms of its racial diversity, moving from a biracial to a multiethnic setting. The non-Hispanic White population has declined from its 71 percent share in 1970 to a narrow numerical plurality of 41 percent of the county 's population in 1990.
Meanwhile, the Latino and Asian Pacific population witnessed a doubling -- from
15% to 39% -- and near quadrupling from 3% to 11% of their population shares respectively. Meanwhile, African Americans, while slightly growing numerically, were a constant share of the county population (11%) during this period. (Oliver and Johnson:57-94) Thus, on the eve of the twenty-first century, Los Angeles has one of the most ethnically diverse populations of any metropolitan area in the country.
What does this ethnic diversity mean for multiethnic coalition building in the politics of Los Angeles County? Does the changing demography increase the opportunity for ethnic cooperation? Or, has the ethnic changes increased rather than decreased the prospects of interethnic conflict?
Introduction
After the 1992 riots, a clarion call was issued from all corners for the emerging multiethnic majority to take its rightful place in the politics and leadership of the city. A multiethnic coalition, it was suggested, could lead the city to a new multicultural future.
This call was clearly built on the assumption that three divers groups African
Overview
This paper explores the limits and potentials of ethnic and racial coalition building in Los Angeles. The demographic changes that have occurred in Los
Angeles during the past twenty years have been extraordinary, both in scope and diversity. The area has witnessed a literal boom in population growth, increasing from 7 million in 1970 to 8.8 million in 1990. (US Bureau of the Census) However, it is the dramatic change in ethnic and racial diversity of the population which has caught most observers attention.
Los Angeles has taken on a new form in terms of its racial diversity, moving from a biracial to a multiethnic setting. The non-Hispanic White population has declined from its 71 percent share in 1970 to a narrow numerical plurality of 41 percent of the county 's population in 1990.
Meanwhile, the Latino and Asian Pacific population witnessed a doubling -- from
15% to 39% -- and near quadrupling from 3% to 11% of their population shares respectively. Meanwhile, African Americans, while slightly growing numerically, were a constant share of the county population (11%) during this period. (Oliver and Johnson:57-94) Thus, on the eve of the twenty-first century, Los Angeles has one of the most ethnically diverse populations of any metropolitan area in the country.
What does this ethnic diversity mean for multiethnic coalition building in the politics of Los Angeles County? Does the changing demography increase the opportunity for ethnic cooperation? Or, has the ethnic changes increased rather than decreased the prospects of interethnic conflict?
Introduction
After the 1992 riots, a clarion call was issued from all corners for the emerging multiethnic majority to take its rightful place in the politics and leadership of the city. A multiethnic coalition, it was suggested, could lead the city to a new multicultural future.
This call was clearly built on the assumption that three divers groups African
Bibliography: Boyarsky, Bill. "Competing for Jobs in the New LA," Los Angeles Times, June 19, 1992., sec University of California Press, 1984). Carmichael, Stokely, and Charles V. Hamilton, Black Power (New York: Vintage Books, 1967). 10:6 (1989): 578-592. Movements, Conflict, and Change 6 (1984): 57-94; US Bureau of the Census.. op. Dislocations," Urban Geography 10 (1989): 449-463. Ramos, George and Tracy Wilkinson, "Unrest Widens Rifts in Latino Population," Los Angeles Times, May 8, 1992. Sonenshein, Rafael J., Politics in Black and White: Race and Power in Los Angeles (Princeton: NJ: Princeton University Press, 1993). US Bureau of the Census, Census of Population and Housing. (Washington, DC: US Bureau of the Census, 1970).