Race Differences in Motivations for Joining Unions: The Role of Prosocial Beliefs

Abstract

Objective This article investigates whether a prosocial orientation—which stresses unions’ concern for all working people—might differentially influence whites’ and African Americans’ decisions to join unions. Methods Logistic regression using data from the 2005 AFL‐CIO Union Message Survey. Results African Americans’ odds of voting “yes” in a hypothetical union election are nearly two times greater than whites’ odds, and prosocial beliefs partially mediate this effect. Conclusion A model of unionism that seeks political goals beyond narrow workplace ones (i.e., that capitalizes on the prosocial orientation documented here) may increase unions’ success in attracting African‐American members, thereby improving African Americans' labor market experience and revitalizing the labor movement.

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