Support for defunding the police: the role of social identity, perceived differential racial treatment by law enforcement, and perceived neighborhood unsafety

Purpose This study contributes to the discussion on defunding the police by examining how perceived differential racial treatment by law enforcement and perceived neighborhood safety, together with social identity factors, influence public perceptions of defunding the police. Design/methodology/approach Using data from 1,969 respondents in the 2021 General Social Survey (GSS), this study applies structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the relationships among demographic characteristics, perceptions of differential racial treatment, perceived neighborhood unsafety, and support for defunding the police. The analysis used Social Identity Theory and the Public Attitudes toward the Police (PATP) as frameworks. Findings The research findings indicate that perceptions of differential racial treatment are statistically associated with support for defunding the police. In contrast, perceived neighborhood unsafety is not significantly related to support. In addition, Black respondents are more likely to perceive differential racial treatment, but this is not significantly associated with the outcome variable when other variables are taken into account. Originality/value This study extends prior research by showing that perceived differential racial treatment by law enforcement is significantly associated with public support for reallocating police funding.