"Patterns of Support for George Wallace: Implications for Racial Change."

(1976) Ross, J. Michael, Reeve D. Vanneman, and Thomas F. Pettigrew. "Patterns of Support for George Wallace: Implications for Racial Change." Journal of Social Issues 32 (2): 69-91. Abstract, full text: .pdf file

Abstract

Evidence to support the argument that George Wallace's popularity is a product of rising antiblack sentiment is examined with a focus on the evaluation of Wallace by northern whites across a number of national surveys. Demographic characteristics of supporters are examined and the link between racial attitudes and pro-Wallace tendencies is explored. It is concluded that the role of racial prejudice in Wallace's northern support has been exaggerated, that the Wallace phenomenon is a symptom not a cause of structural changes in the political system, and that party leaders are overreacting to myths about the extent of Wallace's influence.

full text: .pdf file