ISBN: 022634925X 9780226349251

Category: Political Science / General

Page count: 300

<b>"An important contribution to the literature on contemporary American politics. Both methodologically and substantively, it breaks new ground." — <i>Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare</i> </b> <br> When Scott Walker was elected Governor of Wisconsin, the state became the focus of debate about the appropriate role of government. In a time of rising inequality, Walker not only survived a bitterly contested recall, he was subsequently reelected. But why were the very people who would benefit from strong government services so vehemently against the idea of big government? <br> With <i>The Politics of Resentment, </i>Katherine J. Cramer uncovers an oft-overlooked piece of the puzzle: rural political consciousness and the resentment of the "liberal elite." Rural voters are distrustful that politicians will respect the distinct values of their communities and allocate a fair share of resources. What can look like disagreements about basic political principles are therefore actually rooted in something even more fundamental: who we are as people and how closely a candidate's social identity matches our own. <br> Taking a deep dive into Wisconsin's political climate, Cramer illuminates the contours of rural consciousness, showing how place-based identities profoundly influence how people understand politics. <i>The Politics of Resentment</i> shows that rural resentment—no less than partisanship, race, or class—plays a major role in dividing America against itself.