Political Science News and Events
Centennial Scholars Named in Honor of the Maxwell School’s 100th Anniversary
In addition to receiving a stipend to support their studies, the six students have been invited to attend an anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C.
See related: Awards & Honors, Centennial, Giving, Student Experience
Taylor Provides an Update on Russia's War with Ukraine on Campbell Conversations
“In general, not a huge amount of change,” says Brian Taylor, professor of political science. “Russia is on the front foot now because Ukraine is running out of ammunition, especially artillery. And this has to do with the hold up on the U.S. military assistance package in the U.S. Congress over the last half year.”
See related: Conflict, Congress, Government, International Affairs, Russia, Ukraine
Alumna Describes Working on the Hill as ‘Deeply Fulfilling’
A congressional policy advisor, Miranda Peterson earned an executive master’s degree through Maxwell’s Washington, D.C., programs.
See related: Federal, Student Experience
Explore by:
From Politics to the Pews: How Partisanship and the Political Landscape Shape Religious Identity
Eggers Hall, 220 (Strasser Legacy Room)
Add to: Outlook, ICal, Google Calendar
Michele Margolis is an associate professor of political science at the University of Pennsylvania. She studies public opinion, political psychology, and religion and politics. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation and appeared in numerous outlets, including: American Journal of Political Science, Journal of Politics, Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, Public Opinion Quarterly, Political Behavior, Politics & Religion. Her book, "From Politics to the Pews" (University of Chicago Press, 2018), won the Distinguished Book Award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
Margolis will present "From Politics to the Pews: How Partisanship and the Political Landscape Shape Religious Identity."
One of the most substantial divides in American politics is the “God gap.” Religious voters tend to identify with and support the Republican Party, while secular voters generally support the Democratic Party. Conventional wisdom suggests that religious differences between Republicans and Democrats have produced this gap, with voters sorting themselves into the party that best represents their religious views.
This talk challenges the conventional wisdom, arguing that the relationship between religion and politics is far from a one-way street that starts in the church and ends at the ballot box. Instead, political identity has a profound effect on social identity, including religion. Whether a person chooses to identify as religious and the extent of their involvement in a religious community are, in part, a response to political surroundings. In today’s climate of political polarization, partisan actors also help reinforce the relationship between religion and politics, as Democratic and Republican elites stake out divergent positions on moral issues and use religious faith to varying degrees when reaching out to voters.
This event is part of a series of discussions hosted by the Hicker Family Professor in Renewing Democratic Community to promote civil discourse and mutual understanding. Michele will take the stage with Chris Faricy, associate professor of political science and the inaugural Hicker Family Professor in Renewing Democratic Community.
Category
Social Science and Public Policy
Type
Talks
Region
Campus
Open to
Public
Organizer
MAX-Dean’s Office
Accessibility
Contact Bethany Walawender to request accommodations