20th Annual Student Research Conference
Social Science
American Realignment:
How Yankee North and Dixie South Switched Teams
David M. Mohl
Dr. John Quinn, Faculty Mentor
In my research, I attempted to understand the underlying factors for the realignment of the American South. I began using several variables such as income, race, gender, union membership, and religiosity. Then, using previous research and literature, compared the data to NES voting data between 1948 and 2004. Using linear regression, I looked for sign changes in beta following my stimulus (the Civil Rights Movement). My conclusion showed a considerable realignment, specifically among white males. The social and economic implications of this shift are far and beyond the scope of this empirical research paper, but needless to say, there are questions as to whether the elites of either party truly reflect the stances of modern party politics. Whatever their intentions may have been, the consequences of the events in the 1960s have considerably changed the political landscape of the United States.
Keywords: Realignment, American South, Civil Rights Act
Topic(s):Political Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 15-2
Location: VH 1412
Time: 8:30 am