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Political Participation In America: The Role Of Race, Ethnicity, And Gender, Leslie J. Baker-Bracy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Equality in political participation in the United States requires that all citizens, regardless of their social status or demographic characteristics be allowed to participate in the system, regardless of income or education. However, studies have shown several variables - gender, race, income, and education — significantly affect any one person’s pathway to political participation and expression. Using data from the 1992 Citizen’s Participatory Study, I examine these effects, especially in terms of how these variables affect the participation of women. The findings show that education and income rarely have the “equalizing” effect in terms of political participation that is believed.