Prof. Ray Block was interviewed by Farah Bostic from Cross Tabs of The Difference Engine about race, polling, and his passion for doing community-engaged research. More specifically, political polling, especially among minority communities hasn’t always had a great track record of representation, and of deep understanding of racial dynamics and ways different communities interact with ideas of civic participation. This conversation explores how allegiance to one’s country and sense of belonging shape political participation, challenging more simplistic ideas about what kinds of participation matter, and why people do it.
Dr. Ray Block, a professor at Penn State who also studies “truth decay” at the RAND Corporation, brings his expertise in social identity and political involvement to the discussion. He shares insights on the evolving landscape of polling, the importance of community-focused research, and the role of protest in American democracy. Together we explore the nuances of political engagement, offering a fresh perspective on how we understand and measure civic participation. Congratulations! See interview
