EBOOK
The Politics of Resentment
Rural Consciousness in Wisconsin and the Rise of Scott Walker
Katherine J. CramerSeries: Chicago Studies in American Politics3
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About
When Scott Walker was elected Governor of Wisconsin, the state became the focus of debate about the appropriate role of government. In a time of rising inequality, Walker not only survived a bitterly contested recall, he was subsequently reelected. But why were the very people who would benefit from strong government services so vehemently against the 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.
Taking a deep dive into Wisconsin's political climate, Cramer illuminates the contours of rural consciousness, showing how place-based identities profoundly influence how people understand politics. “The Politics of Resentment” shows that rural resentment-no less than partisanship, race, or class-plays a major role in dividing America against itself.
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.
Taking a deep dive into Wisconsin's political climate, Cramer illuminates the contours of rural consciousness, showing how place-based identities profoundly influence how people understand politics. “The Politics of Resentment” shows that rural resentment-no less than partisanship, race, or class-plays a major role in dividing America against itself.