The Closed Partisan Mind

A New Psychology of American Polarization

Matthew D. Luttig

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Hardback

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English

Cornell University Press
15 May 2023

Social, group or collective psychology; Political science & theory; Political parties

The 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 conflict-making politics appeal to those with closed minds.

Today, strong partisans do not just cheer for their political party to win elections. Instead, more akin to religious true believers, strong partisans use their affiliation as a means of understanding right and wrong, friend and enemy, true and false. The Closed Partisan Mind reveals that these dynamics have manifested in both a new type of partisanship and a new type of partisan. The emergence of this new closed partisanship illustrates the dangers that polarization has wrought on society, politics, and the minds of Americans.

By: Matthew D. Luttig
Imprint: Cornell University Press
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 19mm
Weight: 454g
ISBN: 9781501768897
ISBN 10: 1501768891
Pages: 156
Publication Date: 15 May 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Matthew D. Luttig is Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at Colgate University.

Reviews for The Closed Partisan Mind: A New Psychology of American Polarization

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. * Choice *