American Politics Research Workshop (APRW)

Speaker

Brainstorm session with Dorothy Manevich, "(Un)Desirable Activism? The Effect of Pluralistic Ignorance on Pro-choice Participation in Conservative States"

Abstract

Social context is a well-established predictor of political activism (Verba, Schlozman & Brady 1995, Wilson 1973, Skocpol et al. 2000, Han 2014). However, much of the existing literature assumes an environment in which political participation is normatively desirable. This project seeks to understand the social dynamics of political activism in the opposite context: where participants believe their behavior may be socially undesirable. I propose a mixed methods project examining pro-choice activism in conservative states, where privately held opinion on this highly moralized issue is often at odds with perceived public norms. Through qualitative interviews, survey data and a field experiment, I plan to test whether correcting for pluralistic ignorance impacts pro-choice political participation. 

The American Politics Research Workshop (Gov 3004) meets all academic year, Tuesdays, 12:00 - 2:00 PM, in CGIS K354. This workshop presents an opportunity for graduate students and Harvard faculty to present and receive feedback on their current research. The workshop highlights key theoretical and empirical findings from Harvard affiliates on topics related to American politics.

All interested Harvard affiliates are invited to attend.