After the Culture War? Shifts and Continuities in American Conservatism

Following the 2008 American election, some analysts concluded that the election had signalled an end to the polarization and culture wars that had typified American politics. To some, demographic changes would cause this demise. To others, the moderating of religious groups was crucial. As social conservatives came to grips with the 2008 electoral defeats, some argued for emphasis on culture-war issues to revive their role. Sin No More (John Dombrink and Daniel Hillyard, 2007) had argued that, despite conservative rhetoric, the tide was turning on the core legal and moral issues of the American culture war, moving them toward normalization. It challenged the representation of America as a “centre-right” country. This article analyzes enduring and shifting elements of the American culture war: the broadening of the role of religion, the reduced salience of wedge issues, and the paradox that some forms of polarization are increasing as others are receding

Conservatism · Demise · Polarization (electrochemistry · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Politics of the United States · Rhetoric · Salience (neuroscience · Sociology · Theology · Law · Philosophy · Psychology · Religion and Society Interactions

• Souled Out

  E J Dionne•Souled Out•2008

  Add to list

• The Gallup Poll

  Alec Gallup, Frank Newport•Gallup Poll•2012

  Add to list