Is Pluralism a Viable Model of Diversity? The Benefits and Limits of Subgroup Respect

TLDR

Pluralism posits that recognizing and valuing subgroup identities can unify society, but the extent of this effect remains unclear, especially regarding how subgroup respect influences attitudes among different ethnic groups. This study investigates whether feelings of subgroup respect predict positive evaluations of America and its ethnic groups. Using survey data from 1,229 respondents in Oakland and Los Angeles, the authors examined the relationship between subgroup respect and attitudes toward America and its ethnic groups. Results show that subgroup respect predicts more positive attitudes only among African Americans and Latinos, while for Whites personal respect is a stronger predictor, indicating that the unifying influence of subgroup respect is limited to ethnic minority groups.

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on a key psychological principle underlying pluralism, subgroup respect, defined as feelings that one's subgroup is recognized, accepted, and valued by members of a common group (e.g. Americans' respect for various ethnic subgroups). Analyzing survey data collected from a large and diverse sample of respondents in two US cities (Oakland, California, and Los Angeles; N = 1,229), we found that subgroup respect was linked to more positive evaluations of America and its ethnic groups, but only among African Americans and Latinos. Among Whites, personal respect (i.e. how Americans feel about the individual) was a better predictor of the assessed attitudes (affect toward Americans, distrust of the justice system, and ingroup favoritism) than subgroup respect. Advocates of pluralism suggest that acknowledgment and regard for valued subgroup identities will have a unifying effect on the social system. The data here, while generally consistent with this perspective, suggests, however, that the unifying influence of subgroup respect is limited to members of ethnic minority groups.