Member-only story

Political Inequality and the People's Voice in the New Gilded Age

Barry Bryant

·4.8k Followers· Follow

Published in Unequal And Unrepresented: Political Inequality And The People S Voice In The New Gilded Age

4 min read · 2 weeks before

497 View Claps

48 Respond

Save

Listen

In his groundbreaking book, Political Inequality and the People's Voice in the New Gilded Age, acclaimed political scientist Larry Bartels argues that the United States is now a "hyperpolarized democracy," in which the two major parties are so ideologically opposed that they can no longer govern effectively.

Unequal and Unrepresented: Political Inequality and the People's Voice in the New Gilded Age

by Hal Brands

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6520 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	339 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Drawing on decades of research, Bartels shows how the gap between the rich and the poor has widened dramatically in recent years, and how this economic inequality has translated into political inequality. The wealthy now have a much greater say in the political process than the poor, and this has led to a number of policies that benefit the rich at the expense of the poor.

Bartels also shows how the rise of social media and the 24-hour news cycle has contributed to hyperpolarization. These new technologies have made it easier for people to find and connect with others who share their views, and this has led to a more polarized electorate.

The result of all of these factors is a political system that is broken. The two major parties are locked in a perpetual state of gridlock, and the people's voice is being drowned out by the wealthy and powerful.

Political Inequality and the People's Voice in the New Gilded Age is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the current state of American politics. Bartels's incisive analysis and clear writing make this book an essential guide to the challenges facing our democracy.

Reviews

"Bartels's book is a tour de force. It is the most comprehensive and insightful account of the state of American politics that I have read." -Thomas E. Mann, Brookings Institution

"Bartels has written a brilliant and provocative book that will change the way we think about American politics." -Francis Fukuyama, Stanford University

"Political Inequality and the People's Voice in the New Gilded Age is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the current state of American democracy." -The New York Times

About the Author

Larry Bartels is a professor of political science at Vanderbilt University. He is the author of several books on American politics, including Uninformed Voters and Unequal Democracy.