In *The Increasingly United States*, Daniel J. Hopkins examines how American political behavior has become more nationalized, contrasting with the federalist system's assumption that citizens would prioritize state and local allegiances. This shift profoundly affects voter representation and political polarization. Hopkins uses extensive quantitative and qualitative evidence to illustrate these changes and their impact on democracy.
In 'Concrete Demands', Rhonda Y. Williams offers a vivid and highly readable introduction to the Black Power movement, providing a deeply researched history that sheds new light on this important social and political movement. The book is a perfect introduction for anyone interested in the history of black social movements during the 20th century.
Steven M. Gelber's book provides a comprehensive analysis of hobbies as a reflection of American cultural values, tracing their evolution from the mid-19th century through the 1950s. It examines how hobbies mirror the work ethic and social stratification of the time, while also offering a respite from work. The book draws on social and cultural theory to fill a gap in American cultural history.
In 'Here All Along', Sarah Hurwitz shares her journey of rediscovering Judaism after years of being a self-described 'lapsed Jew'. She delves into the richness of Jewish traditions, ethics, and spirituality, making Judaism accessible and relevant for modern readers. The book explores how Hurwitz's exploration of Judaism transformed her life and offers insights into the timeless wisdom of Jewish practices.
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
In this book, Eitan Hersh argues that many people treat politics as a spectator sport, which he terms 'political hobbyism.' Instead of merely consuming political news or posting on social media, Hersh advocates for building political organizations, implementing long-term visions for local communities, and getting to know neighbors to accumulate power and make real change. The book is supported by cutting-edge social science and stories of ordinary citizens who have taken political power seriously, highlighting the importance of local, face-to-face networks and providing community services to rebuild political power at the grassroots level.
Obsessively following the daily political news feels like an act of politics, or at least an act of civics. But what if, for many of us, it’s a replacement for politics — and one that’s actually hurting the country?
That is the argument made by Tufts University political scientist Eitan Hersh. In his incisive new book Politics is for Power, Hersh draws a sharp distinction between what he calls “political hobbyism” — following politics as a kind of entertainment and expression of self-identity — and the actual work of politics. His data shows that a lot of people who believe they are doing politics are passively following it, and the way they’re following it has played a key role in making the political system worse.
But this isn’t just a critique. Hersh’s argument builds to an alternative way of engaging in politics: as a form of service to our institutions and communities. And that alternative approach leads to some dramatically different ideas about how to marry an interest in politics with a commitment to building a better world. It also speaks to some of what we lost in rejecting the political machines and transactional politics of yesteryear — a personal obsession of mine, and a more important hinge point in American political history than I think we realize.
We are, as you may have noticed, deep into election season, and that’s when it’s easiest to mistake the drama of national politics for the doing of actual politics. So there’s no better time for this conversation.
Book recommendations:
Hobbies by Steven Gelber
Concrete Demands Rhonda E. WIlliams
Here All Along by Sarah Hurwitz
New to the show? Want to check out Ezra's favorite episodes? Check out the Ezra Klein Show beginner's guide (http://bit.ly/EKSbeginhere)
The “Why We’re Polarized” tour continues, with events in Austin, Nashville, Chicago, and Greenville. Go to WhyWerePolarized.com for the full schedule!
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Credits:
Engineer - Cynthia Gil
Producer/Editor - Jeff Geld
Researcher - Roge Karma
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The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
