European University Institute Library

The politics of resentment, rural consciousness in Wisconsin and the rise of Scott Walker, Katherine J. Cramer

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 259-274) and index

mapsillustrations

index present

non fiction

The politics of resentment

bibliography

913647364

Katherine J. Cramer

Chicago studies in American politics

rural consciousness in Wisconsin and the rise of Scott Walker

"Since the election of Scott Walker, Wisconsin has been seen as ground zero for debates about the appropriate role of government in the wake of the Great Recession. In a time of rising inequality, Walker not only survived a bitterly contested recall that brought thousands of protesters to Capitol Square, he was subsequently reelected. How could this happen? How is it that the very people who stand to benefit from strong government services not only vote against the candidates who support those services but are vehemently against the very idea of big government?"--, Provided by publisher"Since the election of Scott Walker, Wisconsin has been seen as ground zero for debates about the appropriate role of government in the wake of the Great Recession. In a time of rising inequality, Walker not only survived a bitterly contested recall that brought thousands of protesters to Capitol Square, he was subsequently reelected. How could this happen? How is it that the very people who stand to benefit from strong government services not only vote against the candidates who support those services but are vehemently against the very idea of big government? With The Politics of Resentment, 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. Using Scott Walker and Wisconsin's prominent and protracted debate about the appropriate role of government, Cramer illuminates the contours of rural consciousness, showing how place-based identities profoundly influence how people understand politics, regardless of whether urban politicians and their supporters really do shortchange or look down on those living in the country. The Politics of Resentment shows that rural resentment--no less than partisanship, race, or class--plays a major role in dividing America against itself"--, Provided by publisher

Making sense of politics through resentment -- A method of listening -- The contours of rural consciousness -- The context of rural consciousness -- Attitudes toward public institutions and public employees -- Support for small government -- Reactions to the ruckus -- We teach these things to each other -- Appendices: County map of Wisconsin ; Descriptions of groups observed and municipalities in which they met ; Questions used during observation

Rural consciousness in Wisconsin and the rise of Scott Walker