The vanishing racial divide

Abstract

Siting race properly in the risk communication process remains a significant challenge for researchers and practitioners. The emergence of psychological processing models in the late 20th century facilitated the computerized analysis of data, including race and other demographic characteristics. But these new data-driven analyses had to overcome the concept of a racial difference in the communication process and a racial divide, which have deep roots in the culture. Some studies explored racial differences in families, personal relationships, ethnic communities, religious organizations, and community groups, while others noted differences in attitudes toward national leaders, national organizations, and the mass media. Recent research has begun to challenge the concept of a racial divide. A new conception of race is emerging that identifies it as one of many demographic variables to be evaluated and considered in the risk communication process, while the importance of socioeconomic status (SES) in that process is receiving increased recognition. By means of a comprehensive review of the literature, this chapter examines contemporary climate science research to establish the environmental framework for current risk communication research. It traces the arc of race as a factor in the risk communication process and its relationship to SES. Finally, it explores the implications of these developments for risk communication researchers and practitioners.