Identity and Power

Jose E. Cruz is Assistant Professor of Political Science, State University of New York at Albany.

• CONTENTS Maps, Tables, and Photos Preface 1 Introduction 2 Hartford: The City and Its Politics 3 Puerto Ricans in Hartford: From Settlement to Collective Behavior 4 From Collective Behavior to Brokered Representation 5 From Brokered Representation to Political Mobilization 6 Identity Politics: The Puerto Rican Political Action Committee of Connecticut 7 Identity and Power 8 Puerto Rican Politics and the Challenge of Ethnicity Notes Select Bibliography Index

"This book's contribution lies in its analysis of the structural position of Puerto Ricans at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder and of the process of empowerment through political activism. It challenges popular notions of identity politics as divisive and instead demonstrates how such an identity can serve as a tool for mobilization. It highlights Hartford's uniqueness at the same time that it provides us with lessons for other Puerto Rican, Latino, and ethnic communities throughout the U.S. Cruz makes an important contribution to the field of ethnic politics and community studies." -Vilma Ortiz, Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles "In a provocative analysis of the Puerto Rican Political Action Committee of Connecticut, Jose Cruz has linked identity politics, political ambition, organizing, and intra-ethnic rivalry. This political intrigue takes place in Hartford, Connecticut, a city in demographic and economic transition that is trying to cope with its newest arrivals. A terrific book-thoughtful, informative and balanced. This case study should have a major impact on the study of Latino politics as well as the study of urban politics." -Wilbur C. Rich, Political Science, Wellesley College "This rigorous examination of the political history of migrant Puerto Ricans evidences the role of identity politics in their empowerment." -The Journal of American History