Racial demographics in America are shifting. By 2060 there will be more Americans identifying as an ethnic minority than as White (United States Census Bureau, 2012). For Whites, the rise in ethnic minorities has led to increased concerns of a loss of status (Craig et al., 2018), as for much of American history Whites have enjoyed disproportionate social, economic, and political power relative to their numbers. For ethnic minorities, shifting demographics has created concerns over increased competition for limited resources as well as highlight potential opportunities for new allies in the fight for racial equality (Craig & Richeson, 2012, 2018a). Given the fact that the changing composition of races within America is causing both Whites and ethnic minorities to be concerned with the stability of the racial status quo, both groups are likely motivated to engage in group-based collective action to protect the interests of their specific group. While identity politics and group consciousness have always defined the actions of Black, Asian, and Latino Americans agitating for equality (Chong & Rogers, 2005; Junn & Masuoka, 2008), White identity politics is becoming increasingly connected with efforts that undermine equality and maintain status quo (F. Danbold & Huo, 2015; Petrow, Transue, & Vercellotti, 2018).

These changes in demographics are not limited to race. The proportion of women in various upper management positions have increased towards parity over time, even if slower than perhaps we might want from an equity standpoint. There are changes in representation of queer identified people in social media and in politics, and people identifying as Christian is decreasing. In each of these situations, the stability of group dynamics are in question.

One relatively unexplored facet in research on shifting demographics is the importance not only of perceptions of the stability of group positions within the racial hierarchy but whether the group positions as they stand now are legitimate. Research within classical intergroup relations theories (Jost & Major, 2001; Pratto, Stewart, & Zeineddine, 2013; Tajfel & Turner, 2004) discuss the importance of hierarchical legitimacy in motivating group-based actions and ultimately societal change. Perceived hierarchical instability leads individuals to believe change is possible while legitimacy dictates the form of the collective action engaged in. Yet, to date there has been little research connecting conversations around shifting demographics in America to perceived legitimacy. Legitimacy also differentiates the kinds of collective action taken on behalf of both dominant and subordinate groups; thus, it is an open question as to whether shifting demographics not only alters perceptions of stability but of legitimacy, leading to engagement of collective action that benefits in-groups or benefits all Americans.

Papers in progress include:

1. Beliefs about hierarchy and schadenfreude in the age of shifting demographics (collecting data)
2. The expansion and contraction of Whiteness (collecting data)
3. Shifting racial demographics and its impact on perceptions of racial stability, racial legitimacy, and collective action (collecting data)
4. How perceptions of gender legitimacy and stability affect the way men and women manage their gender identities (collecting data)
5. The Relationship Between Non-Binary Population Growth and Status Threat (collecting data)