Deindustrialization, Identity Politics, and Public Support for Liberal Policies in the United States

Haining Du

Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 6

Abstract: Objective This study examines the structural economic roots of negative identity politics in the United States, focusing on whether deindustrialization—rather than trade or automation alone—drives the rise of White identity politics. Methods Using an instrumental variables approach with local manufacturing layoffs and nationally representative survey data, the analysis tests the link between deindustrialization and racial resentment among Whites and assesses its effects on redistribution preferences and partisan affective polarization. Results Deindustrialization significantly increases racial resentment among Whites but has no comparable effect on non‐Whites. It does not meaningfully increase support for redistribution or heighten partisan affective polarization. Conclusion These findings suggest that economic shocks are channeled primarily into symbolic racial politics rather than partisan affective polarization or material policy demands.

Date: 2025
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