Party Misfits: The Social Bases of Pluralism in an Era of Partisan Politics

Media, politicians, and scholars paint an America that is hopelessly divided. But that’s not the full story. Many Americans don’t fit neatly into the Republican or Democratic camp. These “party misfits” juggle complex social identities, mixed political views, and diverse networks. As parties harden along moral and economic lines, many feel politically homeless. How do wealthy seculars, religious Latinos, or suburban moms choose sides? People across partisan lines still live, work, and spend time together. How do they navigate political conflict in everyday life? Documenting these micro-level tensions, this talk exposes the growing gap between voters and elites. Speakers

• Delia Baldassarri, Silver Professor of Sociology, NYU