Date of Award

Fall 12-1-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography, Geology, and Anthropology

First Advisor

Mohameden Ould-Mey

Second Advisor

Ryan R. Jensen

Third Advisor

Mark S. Hamm

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to examine some of the common stereotypes related to the distribution of white supremacist groups in the United States; that the distribution of such groups are driven by education levels, poverty rates, income levels and the presence of an immigrant population. Research conducted by police departments such as the Chicago, IL and San Diego, CA police departments show no correlation between socioeconomic factors and the spatial distribution of such groups. This thesis examines the question at a national scale, and county level for a limited number of states. Statistical analysis and mapping were chosen to examine this question and while the results are contradictory, the analysis does present questions for future research. The analysis presented in this thesis indicates that there is indeed a relationship between socioeconomic factors and the spatial distribution of white supremacist groups, as well as indicating a need for more in-depth analysis at all scales to settle the contradictory conclusions found in this analysis at different scales. The contradictory results indicate that while there may be a relationship with socioeconomic factors, the spatial distribution of white supremacist groups in the United States is driven by more complex variables than socioeconomic factors.

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