Reparations, which refer to compensating descendants of African slaves in America for the economic disparities black Americans suffered, are a growing topic of political and social discourse in the United States. However, opinions on this matter vary broadly among various demographics and political affiliations, causing various proposals for reparations to elicit mixed reactions.

• National sentiment toward racial reparations hovers in the low 40% range, suggesting it has not become a widely popular issue.
• In general, Democrats have a more negative sentiment on racial issues than Republicans, suggesting they may see more of a need for something like reparations.

Supporters and Detractors of Reparations

Many African American voters view reparations as a necessary act of justice and financial redress that should address hundreds of years of institutionalized slavery, racial discrimination and inequality. Advocates argue economic compensation would be an effective way of remedying the racial wealth gap. They also believe it would be a required step to achieving racial justice. They contend slavery helped build the wealth of the nation on the backs of the enslaved, and the benefits of that economy have lingered into the 21st century.

However, not all Americans support reparations — particularly conservatives and Republicans who consider it part of woke ideology. Those in opposition to racial reparations argue slavery was a historical event that current generations bear no responsibility for. Many express fears about the potential economic costs and social implications of racially motivated and imposed payments. They raise concerns about the practicality of determining who would qualify for reparations, and how a program might be administered.

Reparations critics also worry about the economic feasibility of such a large and coercive transfer of wealth. They fear they could lead to increased taxes or government debt, without effectively or fairly solving problems for economic classes or races.

Others argue reparations could potentially increase racial tension and divisiveness. These critics, spanning the spectrum of political ideologies, often promote targeted policies aimed at improving education, housing, and job opportunities for minority communities rather than directly compensating individuals for past injustices.

Political and Generational Divides

The dividing lines of how Americans view reparations seem to be largely political and perhaps generational. The Democratic party has generally been more supportive of reparations, with some democratic presidential candidates in 2020 urging studies on the issue. Conversely, Republicans have been broadly opposed to reparations, with several key figures arguing they would be costly, divisive, and unfair.

The progressive left are the strongest advocates for reparations and say they are necessary to confront the country’s history of racial injustice. More centrist Democrats focus on broad social programs aimed at reducing economic inequality, rather than reparations specifically for black Americans.

Younger people like Gen Z are also more open to the idea of reparations than older generations. One study indicated less than one-third of white adults of any age support reparations, compared to about three-quarters of black adults. While Democrats have been more receptive to reparations, polls show that the party is divided along racial and generational lines.

A significant proportion of African American voters support reparations, viewing it as necessary for achieving racial justice. Other minority groups have also expressed support, drawing parallels between their experiences and the historical injustices faced by African Americans. However, white voters are generally less supportive of reparations.

Ideological Drivers

There is a portion of black conservative voters who do not support reparations, as well as white liberals who do. This suggests support for or opposition to reparations is not wholly racial in nature, but largely ideological.

Talk about reparations often goes beyond the question of financial compensation and ventures into addressing systemic racism, wealth disparity, educational opportunity gaps, and other forms of inequality that persist in modern America.

Those who believe in equity and systemic racism are more likely to support the idea of reparations. Those who believe in meritocratic achievement, personal responsibility, and free market capitalism are less likely to support reparations.