The individual and the nation: A qualitative analysis of US liberal and conservative identity content

Abstract

Recent research highlights the significant role of political ideological identities in America’s increasing political polarisation. In line with social identity theory, self-placement as a US liberal or conservative predicts favouritism toward the ideological in-group and negative attitudes and behaviours toward the outgroup. The theory also holds that the link between self-categorisation and behaviour is mediated by the content of that identity, by what an individual believes it means to be a member of that group. Although previous research has done much to analyse the differences between US liberals and conservatives on various a priori dimensions, little work has been aimed at gaining a holistic account of ideological identity content from the individual’s lay perspective. Through qualitative analysis of 40 interviews (20 liberals and 20 conservatives), this study identifies central themes in the meaning self-identified US liberals and conservatives attribute to these labels and finds evidence for asymmetrical constructions of these identities. The liberal participant group’s identity construction revolved around identification as, and concern for, individuals, supported by reference to personal values and political issues and underpinned by a motivation to move toward a more equal society. Conversely, the conservative participant group connected the understanding of their identity directly to the political ideology of the nation through a thread of self-reliance and reverence for the national group. Implications for political behaviour and the study of ideological identity are discussed.

Social networks of independents and partisans: Are independents a moderating force?

“…They may also be better suited to moderate the views of partisans, especially Republicans, than those in opposing partisan groups. While previous research shows that individuals with highly polarized views are less likely to discuss politics with those who hold opposing views (Hanson et al, 2019;Settle & Carlson, 2019), our research shows that partisans continue to discuss politics with independents. As such, independents may very well be the key to bridging the political divide by moderating the views of committed Democrats and Republicans and, in doing so, expanding the advantages associated with cross-cutting discussions to committed partisans.…”

“…Networks also facilitate interactions between people. Over time, individuals can develop a strong partisan identity in which their relationship to a political party becomes a vitally important part of their social identity that is reinforced through these interactions with others who share their views (Ellis & Stimson, 2012; Greene, 2004; Hanson et al, 2019).…”

“…While this is unsurprising, given that networked individuals are often similar because of structural conditions (Burt, 2004; Fuchs, 2009), recent research on political discussions reveals that ideological homogeneity is produced and maintained through networked interactions. Partisan identity, strengthened through interactions with their co‐partisans, makes individuals more reluctant to discuss politics with those who hold the opposing partisan identity (out‐partisans) (Ellis & Stimson, 2012; Hanson et al, 2019; Settle & Carlson, 2019). This reduces cross‐cutting discussions that increase tolerance (Pattie & Johnston, 2008) and make it easier for individuals to accurately assess the veracity of information (Garrett et al, 2016), both of which are important skills in an increasingly polarized world where “fake news” abounds.…”

Recontextualising partisan outrage online: analysing the public negotiation of Trump support among American conservatives in 2016

“…President Trump's election was a result that few commentators predicted and indeed was viewed by many as an unimaginable outcome (Martin and Krause-Jensen 2017). His election has nonetheless created a new drive to scrutinise the content and articulation of American conservative identity amongst scholars of American politics, particularly as this relates to matters of race, gender, geography, and religion (Hanson et al 2019;Kreiss et al 2017). This new interest in the form and dynamics of American conservatism has foregrounded the relation between affective polarisation and the formation of American partisan identities (Iyengar et al 2019;Mason 2018).…”

“Be Nice or Leave Me Alone”: An Intergroup Perspective on Affective Polarization in Online Political Discussions

“… 1. Ideological orientation is, of course, not unidimensional and may be denoted in a number of ways, from stated social values and positions on policy issues to one’s attitudes toward political foes (Hanson et al, 2019). Linguistic choices in political conversations are also regarded as a reliable indicator of an individual’s ideological leaning: what liberals refer to an “estate tax,” for example, is typically called the “death tax” by a conservative, with no ideologically neutral alternative (Lakoff, 2002).…”