504 | Matt Grossmann: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Realigned American Politics
Sep 6, 2024
auto_awesome
Matt Grossmann, Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, delves into how the growing diploma divide has transformed American politics. He discusses the polarization between highly-educated Democrats and populist Republicans, each with contrasting views on expertise and institutions. The conversation highlights the ongoing culture wars, where every aspect of culture has become politicized over the decades. Grossmann also explores how corporate behavior interacts with political narratives, reflecting broader societal changes and tensions.
The diploma divide has realigned American politics, with educated voters increasingly supporting Democrats while non-college-educated individuals align with Republicans.
Cultural shifts since the 1980s have influenced political party identities, as Democrats embrace expertise and Republicans cultivate skepticism towards institutions.
Culture wars are central to contemporary politics, complicating policymaking by intertwining everyday issues like education and healthcare with deep-seated cultural conflicts.
Deep dives
The Diploma Divide in American Politics
The increasing diploma divide in American politics reflects a growing polarization between college-educated voters, who tend to lean Democratic, and non-college-educated voters, who are more likely to support Republicans. This divide is not limited to whether individuals possess a degree but also encompasses graduate education and elite institutions. Grossman points out that this realignment challenges the traditional understanding of political affiliations, as nuanced debates regarding technocracy and expertise play a significant role in shaping party ideologies. The shift in allegiance towards Democrats among the educated class signifies a broader cultural and social change that has been evolving over decades.
Cultural Changes and Political Realignment
The podcast highlights how cultural values have fundamentally shifted since the 1980s, causing realignment within American political parties. Democrats have embraced expertise and progressive social norms, whereas Republicans foster skepticism towards experts and celebrate traditional values. Grossman emphasizes the historical context, explaining that until the late 20th century, educated voters, particularly those with bachelor’s degrees, predominantly supported conservative policies. The transformation in the partisan coalitions indicates an ongoing tension between evolving social norms and the discomfort that some factions experience with this rapid change.
Impact of Higher Education on Political Perspectives
The role of higher education in shaping political beliefs is described as a combination of social influences and self-selection. College can indeed alter students' political views towards more left-leaning positions, often through peer interactions rather than direct indoctrination by professors. Once individuals enter the workforce, their environments can further reinforce these cultural and social values, leading to a more extensive ideological divide between educated and non-educated demographics. The podcast suggests that while education is a driving factor in political alignment, broader societal changes are also pivotal in influencing perspectives.
Culture Wars and Emerging Issues
Culture wars have become an increasingly pivotal battleground in contemporary American politics, encompassing issues like education, healthcare, and race relations. The podcast defines culture wars not just by their traditional parameters but also by how newer issues are absorbed into this dynamic, reflecting societal debates and divisions. Grossman notes that once issues become categorized as cultural, they tend to dominate political discussions. This phenomenon creates challenges for policymakers, as decisions now often have to navigate through the prism of cultural conflict, complicating even economic policies.
Navigating Institutional Responses
The podcast discusses the difficulties institutions face as they attempt to maintain neutrality amidst the polarization of cultural values. Organizations such as universities and corporations are navigating a complex landscape where they must balance internal pressures from employees and external demands from customers while remaining mission-focused. Grossman points out that these institutions, which were once predominantly bipartisan and focused on accountability, are now seen as part of the cultural debate. This shift means that their once-clear missions may be overshadowed by the need to respond to political currents, complicating their roles in society.
Matt Grossmann, Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center, and co-author of Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics, joins The Realignment. Marshall and Matt discuss how the growing diploma divide reshaped post-Cold War politics, how Democrats became the party of highly-educated Americans who trust credentialed experts and Republicans became populists supported by voters without college degrees who distrust institutions, why the culture wars increasingly feel perpetual, and how every aspect of non-political American culture politicized over the past 40 years.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
