#Polarized: Gauging Potential Policy Bargaining Ranges Between Opposing Social Movements of Black Lives Matter and Police Lives Matter

Jessi Hanson-DeFusco (), Natalia Lamberova, Blair Mickles, Tanisha Long, Eliana Beligel, Quinten Boose, Paul Smith, Alexis McMaster and Dragana Djukic-Min
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Jessi Hanson-DeFusco: Department of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication, Lawrence Technological University, 21000 W 10 Mile Rd., Southfield, MI 48075, USA
Natalia Lamberova: School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA
Blair Mickles: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Tanisha Long: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Eliana Beligel: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Quinten Boose: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Paul Smith: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Alexis McMaster: Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh, 3601 Wesley W. Posvar Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Dragana Djukic-Min: School of Economic, Political, and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 W Campbell Rd., Richardson, TX 75080, USA

Social Sciences, 2024, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-26

Abstract: (1) Background: Since the death of George Floyd, the social movement Black Lives Matter continues to dominate the American political psyche, not only advancing a public dialogue but also escalating the polarization of supported solutions for policing and systemic discrimination. (2) Methods: Using a qualitative context analysis approach, we assessed over 350 sources related to social justice literature and policy-relevant documents to identify key policy solutions supported by the American Black Lives Matter movement compared to the Blue Lives Matter movement. We applied Fearon’s bargaining range of war model to analyze the extent to which the policy recommendations of these two opposing movements may overlap. The purpose was to identify and categorize agreement alternatives across various sectors. This research presents top policy solutions, assessing their bargaining ranges. (3) Results: 32 of the 36 top policy reform alternatives at the national level have sufficient bargaining ranges. This analysis indicates the importance of supporting various sectors like mental health/psychosocial policies and programs, which can (1) serve as a focal point of agreement between contending movements, and (2) decrease racial injustice through strategic bargaining. (4) Conclusions: In a divisively political landscape, it is crucial to identify starting points for negotiation among contending actors. Identifying bargaining opportunities can help seed a dialogue that may benefit all parties involved.

Keywords: conflict resolution; negotiation; social movement theory; racial discrimination; justice; policing; policy reform; bargaining; socio-political polarization; United States (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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