Does Anger Drive Populism?

[Axtremus]

Sociologists' report on "Does Anger Drive Populism?" : https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w31383/w31383.pdf

The paper accounts for populism on both sides of the ideological spectrum (e.g., the Bernie Bros. as well as the Trumpists).

There is even a county-by-county "map of anger" on page 12, and a careful separation of "anger" and "discontent" (i.e., just because someone is angry about something does not necessarily mean he is unhappy about his own life).

WaPo's reporting on the study: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/09/populism-cause-gallup-poll-sadness/

[taiwan_girl]

I think that it definitely has a partial (maybe large) component. Kind of common sense that this is the case.

[Horace]

It's a tautology, as the definition of populism is the masses having issues with a smaller elite.

[LuFins Dad]

Are we still pretending that sociology is a hard science?

[Axtremus]

@LuFins-Dad said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

Are we still pretending that sociology is a hard science?

Who is pretending that sociology is a hard science?

[Rainman]

Ax, I don't think that's what he meant, specifically. It's like chicken soup. It's not all specifically about the chicken. I'm an expert cook BTW, especially chicken.

[Renauda]

@taiwan_girl said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

I think that it definitely has a partial (maybe large) component. Kind of common sense that this is the case.

I wholly agree and suggest that the anger coupled with anxiety is a volatile mix readily exploited by demagogues on the right and left with equal impunity.

[Aqua Letifer]

@Renauda said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

@taiwan_girl said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

I think that it definitely has a partial (maybe large) component. Kind of common sense that this is the case.

I wholly agree and suggest that the anger coupled with anxiety is a volatile mix readily exploited by demagogues on the right and left with equal impunity.

We don't even need demagogues in 2023. Social media can gin up enough outrage and anxiety that we'll jump at the chance to create our own demagogues.

[Mik]

@Rainman said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

Ax, I don't think that's what he meant, specifically. It's like chicken soup. It's not all specifically about the chicken. I'm an expert cook BTW, especially chicken.

It's very nice to see you and your quick wit more regularly!

[Aqua Letifer]

@Mik said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

@Rainman said in Does Anger Drive Populism?:

Ax, I don't think that's what he meant, specifically. It's like chicken soup. It's not all specifically about the chicken. I'm an expert cook BTW, especially chicken.

It's very nice to see you and your quick wit more regularly!

+1!

[Rainman]

Thanks guys. It's still a bit rough in the trenches, but things are looking up. Thanks Big Pharma!