Description
Human Costs in Cleavage-Based Politics in the United States
Stephen J Chapman (Assistant Professor of Political Science at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, USA)
This analysis presents a case-study of shifts in public opinion within the United States (US). The study focuses on social cleavage theory in order to illustrate the existing social cleavages in the US and how three recent political events, the ‘birther’ conspiracy, the Tea Party, and the Trump campaign/administration, provide examples of cleavage-based politics.
Stemming from that, the study then presents a summary evidence of mass-level opinion shifts on a range of issues. The study then offers a discussion of the tangible human costs associated with cleavage-based politics. This has important implications for both the provision of public goods as well as the stability of democracy within the country.
By offering perspective on the manipulation of social cleavages and its consequences, it is possible to seek potential solutions.
