The Influence of Rev. Jesse Jackson's Candidacy for President on Pluralistic Politics: Implications for Community Action

Authors

James Craigen, Howard University

Abstract

This essay addresses the significant changes in power relationships brought about by the candidacy of the Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson for President of the United States. Specifically, it will attempt to focus on themes or issues reflecting the impact of his entry into the contest for the Democratic nomination as a viable Black candidate in November 1983, and the consequent redefinition of power relationships which occurred not only within the Democratic Party, but between Blacks and Whites, Blacks and Jews, Black elected and appointed officials, and his effort on relative deprivation among the people in the Rainbow coalition that he represented. Therefore, issues of racism, coalition building, networking (specifically, within the Black church), leverage, pluralistic politics, and the role of the media in image- making and image-breaking will be touched upon.

Recommended Citation

Craigen, James (1986) "The Influence of Rev. Jesse Jackson's Candidacy for President on Pluralistic Politics: Implications for Community Action," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 13: Iss. 3, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1770
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol13/iss3/12