Introduction
In the increasingly polarized climate of American politics, a common assumption has emerged that ideology and partisanship are perfectly intertwined. However, this article argues against such a narrow view by demonstrating how core values—particularly egalitarianism and moral traditionalism—act as crucial moderators in the relationship between these two forces.
The Core Hypothesis
We hypothesized that while elite polarization has intensified over time, its resonance with the mass public varies significantly based on their underlying value orientations. Specifically, we predicted that ideological shifts toward partisanship would be most pronounced among individuals holding conservative values about politics.
Methodology & Data
Our analysis draws from pooled surveys of eligible voters collected through the American National Election Studies (ANES) between 1988 and 2012. This longitudinal approach allowed us to track changes over time while accounting for individual value predispositions across multiple election cycles.
—> Key Findings
- The relationship between ideology and partisanship has indeed strengthened among those with conservative values, particularly concerning moral traditionalism
- Individuals guided by egalitarian principles show less alignment between their ideological leanings and partisan identification over time
- This asymmetry confirms how different value systems shape—and are shaped by—the polarized political environment
Implications for Political Science
These findings complicate the narrative that polarization is simply good old-fashioned politics gone extreme. They highlight a critical distinction: not all ideological shifts during polarization are equal, and core values serve as a powerful lens through which partisanship filters public opinion.
This research underscores how political scientists must account for diverse value systems when analyzing modern partisan behavior in the U.S., moving beyond simplistic narratives about ideology alone.
