The Dissenter
#1083 Matt Grossmann: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics
Apr 11, 2025
Matt Grossmann, Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and expert in political science, dives into the intriguing dynamics of the diploma divide. He explains how educational attainment has shifted voter demographics and party affiliations since the 1980s. The conversation unveils the cultural wars impacting political identities, with stark contrasts between the Obama and Trump eras. Grossmann also analyzes rising skepticism towards expertise and how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing divides, all shaping the future of American politics.
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Quick takeaways
- The diploma divide illustrates the electoral gap between college-educated and non-college-educated voters, significantly polarizing American politics.
- The culture war has shifted political discourse towards social issues, framing societal changes as a clash between traditional values and progressive ideals.
Deep dives
Understanding the Diploma Divide
The diploma divide highlights the growing electoral gap between voters with college degrees and those without, resulting in increased polarization within American politics. This divide emphasizes the shift from traditional economic issues to social and cultural matters, where voters’ educational backgrounds significantly influence their political alignments. For example, while the Democratic Party has transitioned to being supported predominantly by college-educated individuals, the Republican Party remains largely composed of non-college-educated voters. This transformation reflects broader societal shifts toward social progressivism, reshaping the identities and priorities of both major political parties.
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