Ethnicity and Perceptions of Death Penalty: Is Ethnicity One Reason Why Asians Support Capital Punishment

Abstract

This survey-based study sought to examine the association between Asian ethnicity and support for death penalty. The study does not aim to establish causality but rather explores death penalty perceptions using a convenient sample. The study used explicit measures to define ethnicity and used ethnicity as a primary independent variable. The research design consisted of a survey questionnaire and a non-probability sampling technique combining elements of both convenient and purposive samples. Because this research was conducted during holidays around Thanksgiving, the sample remained smaller, n=137 as an extension beyond this number was not feasible. One important purpose of this research was also to present a model for any future studies that attempt to operationalize ethnicity since prior studies including ethnicity as a predictor of death penalty support have not operationalized it the way it was done in this study. Using logistic regression and analysis of odds ratio and log odds, results showed that Asians who adhere to their ethnic traditions are likely to have a stronger support for death penalty controlling for religiosity, political affiliation and media reliance/influence. The results thus indicate that Asian ethnicity can be associated with how Asians view or support death penalty.