Political Scientist LaGina Gause Probes the Power of Protest

Gause's new book makes a novel argument: Protests by marginalized groups are more likely to spur change, despite the obstacles and backlash they often face when voicing grievances. Protests have played a central role in the American story since the chaotic and colorful Boston Tea Party in 1773. Now, a new book by UC San Diego political scientist LaGina Gause adds a twist to the tradition. In " The Advantage of Disadvantage ," Gause says data drawn from Congress and related sources point to an unconventional conclusion: Protests by poor and marginalized groups are more likely to spur change. While demonstrations by Black, Latino and other historically disadvantaged groups often come at a high cost compared to white protestors and others, and can lead to a political backlash, the grievances that prompted such collective action are more likely to be addressed by lawmakers, according to her research. "Protests can be the only effective way for a lot of communities to communicate," said Gause, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science in the School of Social Sciences. "And they help communicate what's really important right now." Gause discussed her book at a public forum May 25 at Art Produce, a nonprofit community space in North Park.