“Polarized by Degrees” with Matt Grossmann and Dave Hopkins
Nov 5, 2024
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Matt Grossmann, a political science professor at Michigan State University, and Dave Hopkins, a political scientist at Boston College, dive into the intriguing trends shaping American politics. They discuss how the educational divide is fueling polarization, with college-educated voters shifting left and non-degree holders gravitating towards Republicans. The guests explore the Democratic Party's struggle to engage the white working class and the influence of Donald Trump on party dynamics. Their insightful analysis sheds light on how these trends impact democracy today.
The diploma divide has transformed American politics, highlighting a significant rightward shift among non-college-educated voters towards the Republican Party.
Cultural and social issues have eclipsed economic concerns in electoral politics, revealing a stark contrast in values between different educational demographics.
Growing distrust in expertise, especially among Republican voters, complicates governance and fosters populist sentiments that challenge evidence-based policymaking.
Deep dives
Understanding the Diploma Divide
The diploma divide refers to the growing polarization in American politics based on educational attainment, specifically between those with four-year college degrees and those without. This trend highlights that college-educated individuals tend to lean towards the Democratic Party, while non-college-educated voters increasingly support the Republican Party. The divide is not merely about political alignment; it reflects broader societal changes regarding values and social issues, showing a shift from an income-based divide to one based on educational backgrounds in many developed democracies. The discussion illustrated how this division has gained prominence in the Trump era and its implications for political strategies moving forward.
Cultural and Social Issues Over Economic Considerations
Throughout various discussions, it became evident that the focus of electoral politics has shifted significantly from economic issues to cultural and social issues. People with higher education levels tend to adopt more progressive views on topics such as immigration, gender, and race relations, while those without degrees often hold more conservative perspectives on these same issues. This transformation is seen as a backlash against the rapid cultural changes that have sparked anxiety among segments of the population who feel threatened by these shifts. Therefore, the polarization surrounding cultural issues continues to shape political identities and party loyalties.
The Impact of Expertise and Anti-Establishment Sentiments
The conversation revealed a significant distrust in expertise amidst growing anti-establishment sentiments, particularly among Republican voters. Many conservatives view experts and institutions—such as universities and mainstream media—as liberal entities imposing their values on society, which fosters a sense of alienation from the political system. This skepticism complicates governance, as it leads to a rejection of evidence-based policies in favor of populist sentiments that may not align with factual realities. Consequently, the politics surrounding expertise and authority has become a defining characteristic of contemporary American political discourse.
Electoral Strategies and Long-Term Trends
The analysis emphasized the limitations of electoral strategies that focus solely on appealing to voters within specific demographics without considering the evolving political landscape. As educational attainment becomes more polarized, both parties face the challenge of adapting their appeals to correspond with the changing values of the electorate. The current two-party system constrains parties from effectively addressing these shifts, resulting in a stalemate where neither can decisively alter their platforms to attract disillusioned voters. Long-term trends indicate that without significant electoral defeats or changes in the political climate, the current polarization is likely to persist and further entrench itself.
Comparing U.S. Politics with Global Trends
The diploma divide is not unique to the United States; rather, it mirrors trends observed in many developed democracies around the world. In Europe, for example, right-wing populist parties have gained traction among non-college-educated voters, effectively embodying the cultural backlash similar to that seen in the U.S. This underscores a global phenomenon where education becomes a focal point in political identity, influencing party dynamics and electoral outcomes. As these trends unfold, they evoke questions about the future of democratic governance and the capacity of established parties to retain broad-based support amid rising educational divides.
A lot of things will really change over the course of this week, no matter the election outcome. And with that, we were thinking it would be good to share a conversation that would be illuminating regardless of what happens. Over the past few decades, American society has experienced seismic changes. One of the trends we have seen is a rightward shift towards the Republican Party among voters without a four-year college degree and a pro democratic center-left shift of voters who have a four-year college degree. There’s a lot to unpack about what has animated these changes. Matt Grossmann is the director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and a professor of political science at Michigan State University. Dave Hopkins is a political scientist at Boston College. Grossmann and Hopkins are the co-authors of “Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics.” They join WITHpod to discuss the origin of these trends, the effects on both major parties and more.
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