Deracialization as an Analytical Construct in American Urban Politics

Abstract

The author examines the usefulness of the deracialization concept as an analytical construct for explaining contemporary American urban politics. Deracialization is a useful concept for explaining recent black electoral victories because several African-American candidates have successfully employed this campaign strategy. As an electoral strategy, deracialization is especially useful to African-American candidates running in majority-white districts and jurisdictions. Deracialization as a campaign strategy does not automatically lead to deracialized governance. Black elected officials who conduct deracialized campaigns often pursue themes of racial justice in their governance.