Political scientist Ariel White has taken on a daunting task: studying people on the margins of U.S. politics to see if they can participate more fully in our system of government. At a time when political polarization and division seem to be at an all-time high, White’s work offers a glimmer of hope for the future of our democracy.
White, an assistant professor of political science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has dedicated her career to understanding the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from engaging with our political system. Through her research, she aims to identify the root causes of political disengagement and offer solutions to bridge the gap between these communities and the rest of society.
One of the key aspects of White’s work is focusing on marginalized groups such as ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities. These groups often face systemic barriers that prevent them from participating fully in our democracy. For example, minority communities may face voter suppression tactics, while individuals with disabilities may struggle to access polling stations. By understanding these challenges, White hopes to find ways to remove these barriers and encourage greater political engagement.
In one of her recent studies, White looked at the impact of bilingualism on political participation among Latino citizens. She found that individuals who were proficient in both English and Spanish were more likely to vote and participate in political rallies and protests. This highlights the importance of language diversity in promoting political engagement and shows that simple changes, such as providing information in multiple languages, can make a significant difference.
Another area of White’s research focuses on the role of social networks in shaping political behavior. She has found that individuals who have connections to others from different backgrounds are more likely to be politically engaged. This highlights the importance of diversity in our social circles and the need for individuals to step out of their comfort zones and engage with those from different backgrounds.
White’s work also delves into the impact of economic inequality on political participation. Her research shows that individuals from low-income communities are less likely to vote or engage in political activities due to financial constraints. This further perpetuates economic disparities and prevents these communities from having a voice in the political process. To address this, White suggests policies that can alleviate economic inequalities and make it easier for individuals to participate in the political process.
One of the most significant contributions of White’s research is in the field of voting rights. She has examined how restrictive voting policies, such as voter ID laws, affect marginalized communities. Her work has shown that these laws disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters, making it harder for them to participate in elections. White’s research has been instrumental in shaping the national conversation on voting rights and advocating for fair and accessible elections for all.
White’s work has not gone unnoticed, with several policymakers and organizations using her research to inform their policies and initiatives. She has also been recognized for her contributions, receiving the Early Career Award from the American Political Science Association in 2020.
White’s research goes beyond identifying the barriers that prevent marginalized communities from participating in politics. She also offers potential solutions to address these challenges and promote greater engagement. Through her work, she hopes to create a more inclusive and representative political system, where every voice is heard and every vote counts.
In addition to her research, White is also committed to mentoring the next generation of political scientists. She actively works with students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging and supporting them to pursue careers in academia. By nurturing young minds, White is ensuring that her work will have a lasting impact in the field of political science.
As our society becomes more diverse and our political landscape more complex, the need for research like White’s becomes even more crucial. By shedding light on the barriers faced by marginalized communities and offering solutions to address them, she is paving the way for a more inclusive and representative democracy.
In a time where the political climate can often feel discouraging, White’s work gives us hope for a more equitable and engaged future. By studying people on the margins of U.S. politics, White is not only making significant contributions to the field of political science, but also inspiring us to create a more inclusive and participatory society.
