Socioeconomic Status and Attitudes about Law Enforcement
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology and Sociology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Diane Nititham
Presentation Format
Event
Abstract/Description
This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and attitudes toward law enforcement in the United States. Using secondary data analysis from the 2016 American National Election Studies (ANES), the research explores how education, income, and occupation influence perceptions of police fairness and behavior. The study hypothesizes that individuals with lower SES are more likely to hold negative attitudes toward law enforcement, while those with higher SES tend to express more positive perceptions. Existing literature highlights that race, prior experiences with policing, and the quality of police–community communication play significant roles in shaping these attitudes. Disparities in police responsiveness and treatment of minority or low-income communities often reinforce distrust and negative perceptions. The analysis employs measures of perceived social class and perceived fairness in police treatment of racial groups, controlling for race and gender. Findings aim to deepen understanding of how social class intersects with race and other demographic factors to shape public opinion about law enforcement. This research contributes to broader discussions on trust, legitimacy, and inequality in policing, emphasizing the need for equitable law enforcement practices and improved community relations across socioeconomic divides.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Political Science and Sociology Department Panel
Socioeconomic Status and Attitudes about Law Enforcement
This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and attitudes toward law enforcement in the United States. Using secondary data analysis from the 2016 American National Election Studies (ANES), the research explores how education, income, and occupation influence perceptions of police fairness and behavior. The study hypothesizes that individuals with lower SES are more likely to hold negative attitudes toward law enforcement, while those with higher SES tend to express more positive perceptions. Existing literature highlights that race, prior experiences with policing, and the quality of police–community communication play significant roles in shaping these attitudes. Disparities in police responsiveness and treatment of minority or low-income communities often reinforce distrust and negative perceptions. The analysis employs measures of perceived social class and perceived fairness in police treatment of racial groups, controlling for race and gender. Findings aim to deepen understanding of how social class intersects with race and other demographic factors to shape public opinion about law enforcement. This research contributes to broader discussions on trust, legitimacy, and inequality in policing, emphasizing the need for equitable law enforcement practices and improved community relations across socioeconomic divides.