Social Class and American Politics Richard M. Skinner

Social Class and American Politics When political scientists look at social class, they discuss three elements of “socioeconomic status” (SES): Income Education Occupation

Income Views on economic issues are tied to income. Lower-income voters are more liberal on social welfare issues. This relationship is relatively modest, and can be nullified by political party. High-income Democrats tend to be liberal on economic issues, just like low-income Democrats.

Education Better-educated voters are more liberal on cultural issues: race, gays, abortion, gender. They may be more tolerant of people from different backgrounds. They also may be more likely to understand what are now acceptable views.

The Class Divide Since the New Deal era of the 1930s, social class has been a major divide between the two parties. Poor and working-class voters tend to vote Democratic High-income voters favor the Republicans. “ “We’re going to the Trans-Lux to hiss Roosevelt”

The Class Divide Organized labor has long been a cornerstone of the Democratic coalition. 60% of union members voted for Obama. Studies have shown that unions are effective at getting their members to vote when they otherwise would not have turned out.

The Class Divide Class voting may be declining, at least outside the South. Class voting seems to be strongest in more conservative areas. In the 1970s and 1980s, Republicans made some in- roads among blue-collar voters, especially men. More recently, Democrats have won over many professionals, especially women.

The Class Divide Democrats perform best: With the least-educated: HS dropouts. They tend to be poor and look to the government for assistance. With the best-educated: voters with graduate degrees. They tend to hold the most liberal views on cultural issues. Republicans are strongest with college graduates.

The Class Divide % voting Obama, 2008 general election Under $15,000:73% $15-30,000:60% $30-50,000:55% $50-75,000:48% $75-100,000:51% $ ,000:48% $150, ,000:48% $200,000+:52%

The Class Divide % voting for Obama, 2008 general election HS dropouts: 63% HS graduates: 52% Some college: 51% College graduates: 50% Advanced degrees: 58%

Social Class and Political Participation Socioeconomic status is the strongest predictor of political participation. While income and occupation both affect participation, education has the strongest impact. The gap between high- and low-education voters is greater in low-turnout elections and in primaries. The better educated are also better-informed about politics, and more likely to have coherent views on many topics.

Social Class and Political Participation Voting, by education level (among US citizens), in 2008: Less than 9 th grade:38.1% 9 th -12 th grade:39.9% HS graduate:54.9% Some college:68.0% College graduate:77.0% Advanced degree:82.7% Source: “Voting and Registration in the Election of 2008,” U.S. Bureau of the Census.

Why Education? Education increases political participation in several ways.

Why Education? It provides skills that allow one to understand politics and overcome hurdles to voting and other forms of participation.

Why Education? It helps people get information – read newspapers, understand political discussions.

Why Education? The educated are more likely to associate with politically active people, who may ask them to participate.

Why Education? The educated are more likely to enter high-status professions, where they will practice skills helpful to political participation.

Why Education? It imparts values favorable to participation, such as efficacy, civic duty, and political interest. It helps people understand how politics affects their lives.