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Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker
Politics of Resentment: Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker | Katherine J Cramer
3 posts | 1 read | 19 to read
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."
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review
Christine
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Pickpick

Hard to believe this was written before the 2016 election...but it certainly could have predicted the outcome. This is a solid piece of academic work but not at all a dry read (though since qualitative social science research is my field, I‘m perhaps not the best judge of that!). We need more work like this - rigorously scientific yet open-hearted and compassionate studies of how identity, othering, and perceptions of fairness influence voters.

Christine This short post-election piece by the author discusses some of her findings: https://www.vox.com/platform/amp/the-big-idea/2016/11/16/13645116/rural-resentme... 6y
35 likes1 comment
blurb
8little_paws
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#todayinsj 2011 there was a big rally outside the WI Capitol building to welcome back the 14 Senators that left the state to prevent a quorum, meaning there wasn't a vote that restricted public employees right to collectively bargain.

LindsayReads 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 8y
moranadatter The vote happened. The Republicans just removed the parts of the bill requiring a quorum and took away our rights anyway. 8y
8little_paws @kmdartist I would say I can't believe you guys have Walker as governor, but we have Rauner, so I know the feeling. 8y
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moranadatter @8little_paws It's rough. I have all sorts of horror stories re: Walker. I spent a lot of time digging through opinion polls to try to understand what happened then and what's happening now. I think I get it, but I have no idea how to fix it. Have you read this book? I'm working my way through it now. She noticed a lot of things the same things I did and struggle to explain to people who have always lived in big cities. 8y
8little_paws @kmdartist I haven't read it. I should. I have lived my entire adult life in Chicago and I fully recognize I cannot relate to rural people whatsoever. 8y
moranadatter @8little_paws It's a little dry, but I think it might help you a bit there. 8y
8little_paws @kmdartist cool. I don't mind dry. 8y
56 likes7 comments
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Christine
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This feels like an absolute must-read for me (and not just because it's set in my childhood home state). Based on Washington Post interviews with the author, it seems like a super compelling analysis that is very grounded in social scientific research. (And even though the title might be a bit off-putting to some, from the WP articles it seems like she has taken a very respectful and compassionate approach.)

LauraBrook Hmmm, might have to read this one since I'm a cheesehead! It's disturbing to me that trump got our vote, but I know a few people who voted for him. 😳Yikes. Thanks for bringing the book to my attention! 8y
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Christine @LauraBrook Yay 🧀heads!! But yes, I was similarly disturbed (and know/am related to many in WI who voted for him). I want to understand that more, and this does seem like it may help! 8y
LauraBrook @Christine I know, I want to understand it too. Hope the bookstore has it when I head over there this week! 🧀heads forever! 👊🏼 8y
Christine @LauraBrook Yes, hope you find it! 🙂 8y
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