Ethnic Liberalism

Abstract

Abstract This empirical chapter demonstrates the core association between ethnic minority status and constitutionally liberal political preferences. It asserts that despite being inherently similar to others, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds encounter different social and political circumstances due to their ethnic distinctiveness, leading to a latent sense of insecurity. This insecurity influences their pursuit of liberal rights as a means to safeguard their identity against potential threats from the majority. The analysis begins by studying core human values and the tendency of ethnic minority individuals to exhibit more risk-averse behavior, seeking greater security compared to their majority counterparts. It then explores how this inclination shapes minorities’ broader social perspectives, particularly regarding tolerance and acceptance of diversity. The chapter demonstrates the relationship between ethnic minority status and constitutional liberalism using diverse quantitative analyses. It compares the values and political preferences of individuals from minority and majority ethnic backgrounds. It further examines the stances of ethnic minority representatives and parties, highlighting that ethnic minority status propels a quest for protection through a liberal political framework. The chapter thus demonstrates the key, yet conditional, association between ethnic minority status and liberal preferences.