Trump Voters' social position in U.S. Society

Uniqueness and radical‐right support

Bibliographic Data

ID11263234
AuthorsPeter Luca Versteegen (0000-0002-8562-5442, Department of Political Science University of Gothenburg Gothenburg Sweden, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume46
Issue1
Pages145-165
Publication date2025-02-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitical Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0162-895X • E-ISSN: 1467-9221
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/pops.12984
OpenAlexW4396662891
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited54

Previous research portrays radical‐right voters as economically, geographically, or politically marginalized. However, it seems implausible that these self‐perceived ordinary people —often overrepresenting historically powerful majorities (Whites, men, Christians)—are also socially marginalized. In the present article, I theorize why they may still feel socially excluded: Optimal distinctiveness research posits that individuals feel included in society if they experience (1) belonging to it and (2) uniqueness within it (i.e., feel their background is recognized). I argue that historical power and self‐perceived ordinariness satisfy most majority members' belonging need, but recent diversification and liberalization leave their uniqueness need unsatisfied. Indeed, cluster analyses of American National Election Studies (ANES) data show that a substantial share of majority members experiences firm belonging to society but lacks uniqueness therein. This group is more likely to support Trump than individuals whose needs are satisfied. This article contributes a social‐inclusion perspective on radical‐right voters' position in society

Economics · Political science · Politics · Position (finance · Radical right · Social position · Social relation · Sociology · Uniqueness · Law · Psychology · Social Psychology

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Open DOIOpen Access