Disconnect : the breakdown of representation in American politics
(Book)
320.973 FIORI
1 available
Copies
| Location | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Central - Adult Nonfiction | 320.973 FIORI | Available |
Description
Building on the arguments of Fiorina's acclaimed Culture War? The Myth of a Polarized America, this book explains how contemporary politics differs from that of previous eras and considers what might be done to overcome the unproductive politics of recent decades. Drawing on polling results and other data, Fiorina examines the disconnect between an unrepresentative 'political class' and the citizenry it purports to represent, showing how politicians have become more polarized while voters remain moderate; how politicians' rhetoric and activities reflect hot-button issues that are not public priorities; and how politicians' dogmatic, divisive, and uncivil style of 'debate' contrasts with the more civil discourse of ordinary Americans, who tend to be more polite and open to compromise than their leaders.
Disconnect depicts politicians out of touch with the larger public, distorting issues and information to appeal to narrow interest groups. It can help readers better understand the political divide between leaders and the American public'and help steer a course for change.
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Choice Review
Fiorina (Stanford Univ.) has a knack for taking an analytical scalpel to the most prominent research puzzles in US politics. Carefully slicing away the sinew, he exposes the most important structural features of the important questions that he chooses to examine. With several classic books under his belt, Fiorina once again delivers an important contribution to the field. In Culture War? (2004), he demonstrated that US voters are less ideologically polarized than they are characterized to be in contemporary accounts of US politics. In Disconnect Fiorina extends his previous work to address the causes and implications of a moderate electorate represented by a highly ideologically polarized "political class." In his characteristically analytical style, he posits a number of potential causes, addressing how institutional and social changes and the increasing importance of suburbs and single-interest groups in US politics may (or may not) have contributed to the polarization of representatives. Fiorina makes use of political history and personal anecdotes, producing a book that is both highly readable and first-rate political science. If past is prologue, Fiorina has once again defined research for another generation of political scientists. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. S. Q. Kelly California State University Channel Islands
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Citations
Fiorina, M. P., & Abrams, S. J. (2009). Disconnect: the breakdown of representation in American politics . University of Oklahoma Press.
Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Fiorina, Morris P and Samuel J. Abrams. 2009. Disconnect: The Breakdown of Representation in American Politics. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)Fiorina, Morris P and Samuel J. Abrams. Disconnect: The Breakdown of Representation in American Politics Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 2009.
Harvard Citation (style guide)Fiorina, M. P. and Abrams, S. J. (2009). Disconnect: the breakdown of representation in american politics. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press.
MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)Fiorina, Morris P., and Samuel J. Abrams. Disconnect: The Breakdown of Representation in American Politics University of Oklahoma Press, 2009.