The great perceptual divide identity and democracy in the U.S. and Britain Mitchell P. Smith

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Smith, Mitchell P., 1960- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Identity politics.

Political culture.

Polarization (Social sciences)--Political aspects.

Politics and government.

United States.

Great Britain.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Place of Publication:

New York Bloomsbury Academic 2026

Summary:

"Examines the role of identity in fostering deep perceptual divides in both American and British politics, ultimately addressing the question: how do we make sense of the divisive political landscape we find ourselves in? We dwell in parallel universes. An identity-based gulf in perception has emerged in recent years in both the U.K and the U.S. Elements of identity involving a sense of one’s place in society, of who belongs and who does not, of the role of government, and of the meaning of “freedom” all shape what individuals are willing and unwilling to believe. As these elements of identity have become more tightly bundled together, identity-based divisions have deepened, yielding the Great Perceptual Divide. In the U.S., this divide has tended to fold neatly into the gulf between the two main political parties, while in Britain Brexit has shaped the fault line between “Leavers” and “Remainers,” competing identities that have endured beyond the process of exiting the European Union. What are the consequences of this identity-driven perceptual divide? By focusing on the role of identity as a source of the political divide, this book analyzes specific dynamics such as the systematic undermining of authoritative institutions and information sources, the demand for misinformation, a perversion of political accountability, and the displacement of substantive policy debate by culture wars. The book concludes with actionable paths forward in an effort to lead society back to good-willed partisanship"-- Bloomsbury Collections

Contents:

Beyond partisan division: identity and motivated reasoning

Nonfalsifiable claims and the search for confirming information

Undermining authoritative institutions

The stunting of policy debate

The demand for misinformation

The perversion of political accountability

Pathways from the great perceptual divide

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Online resource; title from home page (Bloomsbury Collections, viewed August 28, 2026)

Other Format:

Print version Smith, Mitchell P., 1960- Great perceptual divide

ISBN:

9798216394914

9798216394938

9798216394921

OCLC:

1597386023

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license