The Challenges Facing the Democratic Socialists of America

Members of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) gather at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, including US Representatives-elect Angela Gonzales-Torres (D-CA), Darializa Avila Chevalier (D-NY), Melat Kiros (D-CO), and Donavan McKinney (D-MI). This event highlights ongoing discussions about the DSA’s demographic composition and internal challenges.

The DSA, aiming to be a ‘multiracial working-class’ movement, faces criticism for its predominantly white, university-educated membership. A survey of New York City’s DSA chapter indicates that around 60% of its members are white and 9% are black. This contrasts with the city’s population, which is 31% white and 20% black.

To address these disparities, the chapter plans to vote on a resolution to establish an ‘Anti-Oppression Task Force’. The objective is to dismantle oppressive systems and practices within the chapter. The group aims to build an equitable culture to support the organization of a diverse working class.

However, some argue that the DSA’s challenges may stem from within. A significant portion of members hold college degrees, with 80% having completed higher education. Nearly a third of the members earn $100,000 annually, surpassing the earnings of many Republicans.

The task force’s commitment to a ‘multigendered’ working class is perceived by some as more aligned with college-campus rhetoric than working-class realities. This perception suggests that the DSA could be out of touch with the demographics it aims to represent.

The backgrounds of prominent members underscore this notion. For example, Rep.-elect Darializa Avila Chevalier has attended Columbia University since 2012. The co-chair of DSA-NYC, Gustavo Gordillo, has a Yale degree in sculpture and has lived in a million-dollar home his father provided.

The DSA’s efforts to reshape its identity may be hindered by its academic and middle-class roots. Establishing the task force, while well-intentioned, might not achieve the desired demographic shift. The core issue remains the DSA’s inherent nature, which aligns more with collegiate influence than working-class values.