The Politics of Cultural Differences - Social Change and Voter Mobilization Strategies in the Post-New Deal Period

Author/creator Leege, David C. Author
Other author Krueger, Brian S. Author
Other author Mueller, Paul D. Author
Other author Wald, Kenneth D. Author
Format Electronic
Publication InfoPrinceton : Princeton University Press Ewing : California Princeton Fulfillment Services [Distributor]
Description304 p. 09.000 x 06.000 in.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

Summary Annotation <p>How did Republicans manage to hold the White House through much of the past half century even as the Democratic Party held the hearts of most American voters? The authors of this groundbreaking study argue that they did so by doing what Democrats have also excelled at: triggering psychological mechanisms that deepen cultural divisions in the other party's coalition, thereby leading many of its voters either to choose the opposing ticket or to stay home.</p><p><i>The Politics of Cultural Differences</i>is the first book to develop and carefully test a general theory of cultural politics in the United States, one that offers a compelling new perspective on America's changing political order and political conflict in the post-New Deal period (1960-1996). David Leege, Kenneth Wald, Brian Krueger, and Paul Mueller move beyond existing scholarship by formulating a theory of campaign strategies that emphasizes cultural conflict regarding patriotism, race, gender, and religion. Drawing on National Election Studies data, they find that Republican politicians deployed powerful symbols (e.g., "tax and spend liberals") to channel targeted voters toward the minority party. And as partisanship approached parity in the 1990s, Democratic leaders proved as adept at deploying their own symbols, such as "a woman's right to choose," to disassemble the Republican coalition. A blend of sophisticated theory and advanced empirical tools, this book lays bare the cultural dimensions of American political life.</p>
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 2001056049
ISBN9780691091532
ISBN0691091536 (Trade Paper) Active Record
Standard identifier# 9780691091532
Stock number00021620