ABSTRACT
Throughout this nation’s history, there has been an expectation that minorities and immigrants would eventually adapt to the character, structure, and culture of “white America” (as the dominant racial and social group). For blacks and other ethnic and racial minorities this meant that adapting the behavioral patterns of white America was a necessity and relinquishing familiar ethnic customs or at least watching one’s children assimilate was inevitable. 1 As more blacks take advantage of the new social and economic opportunities afforded them, what impact will it have on their political attitudes and behavior? Furthermore, what impact would greater interaction with blacks have on the political attitudes and behavior of whites? Finally, what do political attitudes and behavior suggest about race relations and black politics in the Socioeconomic Transition Era?
