The extended reach of minority political power: The interaction of descriptive representation, managerial networking, and race

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2011

Abstract

This paper explores the conditions under which descriptive and bureaucratic representation translate into policy outcomes. In particular, it investigates the role of managerial networking in providing a conduit for black political power to influence policy outcomes for black clients. Using administrative data, survey data, and parish-level contextual data on new participants to Louisiana's welfare to work program from April 2004 through September 2006, results from a logit analysis predicting placement in vocational education indicate that minority clients benefit from black political power and that the effect of black political power is conditioned by whether or not program managers are involved in community networking. All clients, regardless of race, are more likely to receive vocational education when the program manager is black, supporting arguments by proponents of representational bureaucracy. © Copyright Southern Political Science Association 2011.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Politics

First Page

494

Last Page

507

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