Journal of Race, Ethnicity and Politics
The Political Geography of Identity: Local Determinants of Pan-Ethnicity among Asian Americans
2026-07-20
How does one’s community shape their racialized and political identity? Research studying group-based resources and political behavior focuses primarily on the overall size of a group. This study refines our understanding of how community context shapes Asian pan-ethnic identity by examining a second dimension of population: Asian national origin diversity. Using both existing and new survey data, I find that Asians living in more heterogeneous areas view Asian identity as less important and report lower levels of linked fate. I then examine variation in the role of physical and social resources across localities that differ in group size and diversity. Respondents in localities with larger Asian populations and lower levels of diversity are more likely to report higher levels of pan-Asian salience and availability of cultural resources. My analysis highlights the role of within-group diversity and the importance of community resources and institutions in cultivating connections between identity and politics.