Political Science News and Events
Thorson Explores Causes of Public Policy Misperceptions in New Book
Emily Thorson, assistant professor of political science, recently published “The Invented State: Policy Misperceptions in the American Public” (Oxford University Press, 2024).
See related: Federal, Media & Journalism, State & Local
The Russian Threat and the Consolidation of the West
"The Russian threat and the consolidation of the West: How populism and EU-skepticism shape party support for Ukraine," co-authored by Seth Jolly, associate professor and chair of political science, was published in European Union Politics.
See related: Conflict, Europe, International Affairs, Political Parties, Russia, Ukraine, United States
Gadarian Speaks With Chronicle-Tribune About 2024 Political Tension, Violence
“The Republican party now has a leader who has been very clear, in his speeches, rhetoric and actions, that he has authoritarian tendencies. He [President Donald Trump] doesn’t have a lot of respect for the norms of democracy, and he is willing to use violence and call on others to use violence to save power,” says Shana Gadarian, professor of political science and associate dean for research.
See related: Crime & Violence, Political Parties, U.S. Elections, United States
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