133 - Uncivil Agreement

This book delves into the complex and seemingly contradictory nature of American public opinion, where individuals often identify as conservative symbolically but support liberal policies operationally. Ellis and Stimson provide a nuanced analysis of this paradox, examining how it affects political discourse and outcomes. Their work offers insights into the systematic patterns of political ideology in the U.S. , challenging common assumptions about liberal-conservative orientations.

In *Uncivil Agreement*, Lilliana Mason examines the growing social gulf across racial, religious, and cultural lines that have come to divide neatly between the two major political parties. She argues that group identifications have altered the way people think and feel about themselves and their opponents. Even when Democrats and Republicans can agree on policy outcomes, they tend to view each other with distrust and prioritize party victory. Mason combines theory from political science and social psychology to describe this 'social' type of polarization in American politics, highlighting its impact on democracy and political engagement.