Interest Convergence

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OVERVIEW

The theory of interest convergence argues that racism in the United States benefits elite whites (financially) and working-class whites (physically), leaving a large segment of society with little incentive to eliminate racism.  As a result, efforts to bring about racial equality and social justice must converge with whites’ interests in order to be advanced and approved.  

Derrick Bell, one of the pioneers of Critical Race Theory,  argued that shocking images of blacks being lynched, beaten by police, sprayed with fire hoses, and attacked by police dogs were seen worldwide.  International pressure was placed on the United States at a critical time when allies were needed during Cold War.  The United States Justice Departments’ letters, memos, and other documents examined by researcher Mary Dudziak supported Derrick Bell’s argument that Civil Rights movement’s achievements were brought on by elite pressure rather than a social justice effort to right past wrongs.  

OBJECTIVES

  1. Define the term interest convergence.

  2. Understand the interests of three groups: elite whites, working-class whites, and minority groups.

  3. Illustrate the theory of interest convergence through Derrick Bell’s example of the Civil Rights Act.

FURTHER READING

Bell, D. A. (1975). Race, racism, and American law. Little, Brown. 

Delgado, R., and Stefancic, J.  (2017). Critical race theory: An introduction. New York University Press. 

Dudziak, M. L. (2011). Cold War Civil Rights: Race and the image of American democracy. Princeton University Press. 

CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS

  1. Racial hierarchies play a role in the United States in determining how individuals access societal privileges.  Give an example of societal privilege and explain how race plays a role in determining who does and does not have access.

  2. According to Derrick Bell, what economic changes took place to change the minds of elite whites? 

  3. How did global attention on stories of lynchings and racism put pressure on the United States? 

  4. If Derrick Bell’s argument that whites only support social justice breakthroughs if it serves whites’ interests is valid, how should activists approach policy reform? 

ACTIVITIES

  1. Visit the webpage of a nonprofit organization or government agency dedicated to assisting people in gaining redress when access to civil rights or civil liberties is denied, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, or the Mexican American Legal and Education Defense Fund.  Identify a current issue or concern.  Survey what resources they provide and argue whether or not they are adequate.  Why or why not?

  2. Visit the Library of Congress’ Voices of Civil Rights page.  Read at least one story.  Summarize their story and examine how their contribution was important to the Civil Rights Movement.  https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/civilrights/exhibit.html