Description
Book SynopsisThe Closed Partisan Mind traces the roots of partisan polarization to psychological closed-mindedness in the electorate and the changing perception of politics created by polarized political leaders and the new media environment. American politics today can be defined by the intense and increasingly toxic divide between Democrats and Republicans. Matthew D. Luttig explores why so many Americans have endorsed this level of political conflict.
Luttig illustrates how the psychological need for closure leads people, regardless of whether they identify as Democrat or Republican, to express more polarized political attitudes. This association between closed minds and partisan polarization is a new phenomenon and can be traced to broader changes in American society, such as the creation of ideologically distinct political parties and a fragmented media environment. These developments have simplified politics into a black-or-white, us-versus-them conflictmaking po
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Why are modern American politics so fiercely partisan and polarized? In this concise volume, Luttig (Colgate Univ.) confidently proclaims that the blame lies with people who are uncomfortable with uncertainty. Using survey data, Luttig finds that people who crave definitive outcomes are drawn to building strong partisan ties.
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Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Rigidity of the Right and The Rigidity of the Extremes
1. The Closing of the Partisan Mind
2. The Need for Cognitive Closure and Partisan Group-Centrism
3. Clear choices, group-centric partisans
4. The Dynamics of Partisan Closure and the 2016 Presidential Campaign
Conclusion: Opening the Closed Mind?
