The Realignment cover image

The Realignment

504 | Matt Grossmann: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Realigned American Politics

Sep 6, 2024
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.
56:01

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode