Demographic Gaps in American Political Behavior

Demographic Gaps in American Political Behavior examines the political behavior of various groups in the United States in an effort to demonstrate how demographic backgrounds and socialization affect political behavior. Media coverage has disproportionately focused on the red state versus blue state divide, leaving the impression that American political behavior is determined solely by place of residence. This, however, ignores the numerous other political divides that exist in the United States today. In order to better conceptualize the landscape of American political behavior, Patrick Fisher analyzes the political gaps in six different demographics?income, religion, gender, race, age, and geography?and examines the effect these political gaps have on public opinion, policy, and party positioning. Written in an accessible fashion, Demographic Gaps in American Political Behavior uses contemporary examples and data from the 2008 and 2012 elections to help readers understand how and why demographic background has the potential to greatly influence political opinions and behavior.

Patrick Fisher is associate professor of political science at Seton Hall University. His teaching and research interests include Congress, the presidency, the budget process, public policy, and American political behavior. He is the author of two books: The Politics of Taxing and Spending and Congressional Budgeting: A Representational Perspective. Dr. Fisher is also the author of numerous journal articles, including those in the Social Science Journal, Society, Publius, Party Politics, American Review of Politics, White House Studies, Politics and Policy and The Review of Policy Research.