

The Political Psychology of NIMBYism
37 snips Jan 7, 2025
David Broockman, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, challenges the conventional views of NIMBYism by emphasizing the role of deep-seated beliefs about symbols like cities rather than mere self-interest. He explores the surprising support for housing density among homeowners and highlights how public perceptions are influenced by generational attitudes and biases against large developers. Broockman also discusses the YIMBY movement's rise and the significance of policy evaluation to address housing needs for lower and middle-income families.
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Roots of NIMBYism
Support and opposition for new housing largely stem from people's beliefs about cities and density. NIMBYism is more complex than just self-interest regarding property values.
Personal Experience with NIMBYism
David Brockman, a homeowner in San Francisco, reveals he should be a NIMBY but supports more housing in his area. His views challenge expectations based on self-interest.
Symbolic Politics Theory
Voters often rely on symbolic politics rather than detailed policy analysis. People's political views are influenced more by symbols than by self-interest or impacts on property values.