Wilbur C. Rich

The Politics of Minority Coalitions: Race, Ethnicity, and Shared Uncertainties Wilbur C. Rich

Marc Notes: Avail. in paper at $22.95 century; Avail.in cloth at $65.00Jacket Description/Back: This important new volume analyzes relations among America's minority groups, specifically the prospects of political coalitions among those usually unrelated groups: African Americans, Asian-Americans, Latinos, Jews, Arab-Americans, and Native Americans. At the end of the 20th century, the United States is faced with a situation where minority groups are no longer assimilating but rather are moving toward separate mini-societies, complete with separate languages, cultures, and economies. Even if society accepts the notion that cultural pluralism is consistent with democratic principles, the possibility of political "hyperpluralism" (endless and nonproductive conflicts among groups) is disturbing. This volume, therefore, attempts to address these concerns, examining the background of minority organizations, voting behavior issues, and coalitional possibilities. This volume will be of interest to scholars and students alike in American government and ethnic and minority politics. Review Quotes: "Rich's edited volume on the possibility of nondominant groups in the US forming effective political coalitions is one of the best on the topic. His reach is encyclopedic, including African, Asian, Latino, Jewish, Native, and Arab American groups creating what he calls a 'mosaic' competing with dominant political groups and with each other to become or remain powerful political actors in the US. He includes scholars well known for their skill in discussing coalition politics, including Paula McClain, Arati Rao, Rodolfo de la Garza, Lana Stein, and Mohannad T. Mehdi, to provide a wealth of perspectives. Tables are thoughtful and quite readable for those not well versed in quantitative behavioral science. The comparative nature of this approach to race and ethnicity includes musings on intra- and intergroup violent behavior--a sobering commentary. The reference materials at the conclusion of each chapter are well presented. Specialists and novices need to read this book because a multiple, interactive perspective on race and ethnic relations is a critical necessity in the current political scene."-ChoiceReview Quotes: ?Rich's edited volume on the possibility of nondominant groups in the US forming effective political coalitions is one of the best on the topic. His reach is encyclopedic, including African, Asian, Latino, Jewish, Native, and Arab American groups creating what he calls a 'mosaic' competing with dominant political groups and with each other to become or remain powerful political actors in the US. He includes scholars well known for their skill in discussing coalition politics, including Paula McClain, Arati Rao, Rodolfo de la Garza, Lana Stein, and Mohannad T. Mehdi, to provide a wealth of perspectives. Tables are thoughtful and quite readable for those not well versed in quantitative behavioral science. The comparative nature of this approach to race and ethnicity includes musings on intra- and intergroup violent behavior--a sobering commentary. The reference materials at the conclusion of each chapter are well presented. Specialists and novices need to read this book because a multiple, interactive perspective on race and ethnic relations is a critical necessity in the current political scene.?-ChoicePublisher Marketing: Contains 16 essays written by scholars of sociology, political science, government, public administration, cultural studies, law, and education. Contributions address coalition amongst African Americans; conflict and political selfhood amongst Asian Americans; Latinos and the challenge of politics;

Contributor Bio:  Rich, Wilbur C WILBUR C. RICH is Professor of Political Science, Wellesley College and has taught at Columbia University and Wayne State University.