Putting Inequality in Context

Class, Public Opinion, and Representation in the United States

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Policy
Cover of the book Putting Inequality in Context by Christopher Ellis, University of Michigan Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christopher Ellis ISBN: 9780472123124
Publisher: University of Michigan Press Publication: July 10, 2017
Imprint: University of Michigan Press Language: English
Author: Christopher Ellis
ISBN: 9780472123124
Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Publication: July 10, 2017
Imprint: University of Michigan Press
Language: English

Rising income inequality is highlighted as one of the largest challenges facing the United States, affecting civic participation and political representation. Although the wealthy often can and do exert more political influence, this is not always the case. To fix political inequality, it is important to understand exactly how class divisions manifest themselves in political outcomes, and what factors serve to enhance, or depress, inequalities in political voice.

Christopher Ellis argues citizens’—and legislators’—views of class politics are driven by lived experience in particular communities. While some experience is formally political, on an informal basis citizens learn a great deal about their position in the broader socioeconomic spectrum and the social norms governing how class intersects with day-to-day life. These factors are important for policymakers, since most legislators do not represent “the public” at large, but specific constituencies.

Focusing on U.S. congressional districts as the contextual unit of interest, Ellis argues individuals’ political behavior cannot be separated from their environment, and shows how income’s role in political processes is affected by the contexts in which citizens and legislators interact. Political inequality exists in the aggregate, but it does not exist everywhere. It is, rather, a function of specific arrangements that depress the political influence of the poor. Identifying and understanding these factors is a crucial step in thinking about what reforms might be especially helpful in enhancing equality of political voice.

 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Rising income inequality is highlighted as one of the largest challenges facing the United States, affecting civic participation and political representation. Although the wealthy often can and do exert more political influence, this is not always the case. To fix political inequality, it is important to understand exactly how class divisions manifest themselves in political outcomes, and what factors serve to enhance, or depress, inequalities in political voice.

Christopher Ellis argues citizens’—and legislators’—views of class politics are driven by lived experience in particular communities. While some experience is formally political, on an informal basis citizens learn a great deal about their position in the broader socioeconomic spectrum and the social norms governing how class intersects with day-to-day life. These factors are important for policymakers, since most legislators do not represent “the public” at large, but specific constituencies.

Focusing on U.S. congressional districts as the contextual unit of interest, Ellis argues individuals’ political behavior cannot be separated from their environment, and shows how income’s role in political processes is affected by the contexts in which citizens and legislators interact. Political inequality exists in the aggregate, but it does not exist everywhere. It is, rather, a function of specific arrangements that depress the political influence of the poor. Identifying and understanding these factors is a crucial step in thinking about what reforms might be especially helpful in enhancing equality of political voice.

 

More books from University of Michigan Press

Cover of the book Party Mandates and Democracy by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book The Remarkable Rise of Transgender Rights by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Culture Wars and Enduring American Dilemmas by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book The Deadlock of Democracy in Brazil by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Atrocity, Deviance, and Submarine Warfare by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Transgression in Korea by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book After Django by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Inside Appellate Courts by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Finding Voice by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book International Political Earthquakes by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Taking It to the Bridge by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Democratization by Institutions by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Michigan Family Farms and Farm Buildings by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Detroit Country Music by Christopher Ellis
Cover of the book Forging an Integrated Europe by Christopher Ellis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy