The Political Participation of Puerto Ricans in New York City

This work presents results of a survey, conducted in New York City in 1997, comparing the political participation of Puerto Ricans with that of other Latinos and other city residents, and analyzing the factors that make Latinos in general and Puerto Ricans in particular relatively less likely to engage in political activities. The emphasis on the participation of Latinos in New York City, and highlighting one particular Latino group, results from the desire to move away from nation-wide survey research that tends to overlook local nuances and understudy subgroups. Latinos participate less in politics than do other groups in New York City, and while they may exhibit socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that make them less likely to participate, there are factors that affects their social and political capital that largely account for their reduced engagement.