"Fairness According to Whom? Divergent Perceptions of Fairness Among White and Black Americans and Its Effect on Trade Attitudes", now published in the American Political Science Review.
This work explores how perceptions of fairness shape trade attitudes across racial lines in the U.S., offering new insights into race, political economy, and trade policy.
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This piece offers valuable perspectives for those interested in race & political economy, fairness perceptions, or trade policy.
Abstract:
Racial divides in American attitudes toward trade are often linked to labor market discrimination and nationalism. But recent studies highlight how perceptions of fairness—especially concerns about “falling behind” other countries—shape these views. This study bridges critical race theory and cognitive psychology to show that Black Americans approach trade differently from their white counterparts. Due to systemic disparities in social, economic, and political privileges, Black Americans focus on fairness as equality, rather than asymmetric fairness. This leads to stronger support for trade policies that benefit both the U.S. and its partners, rather than those prioritizing an "America First" agenda. A national survey experiment backs up these findings.