Mirrorball Politics: How Taylor Swift Reflects America's Partisan and Gender Divides

Laurel Elder, Steven Greene, Jeff Gulati and Mary‐Kate Lizotte

Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 7

Abstract: Objectives This study explores public opinion toward global pop star Taylor Swift as a focal point gaining insights into contemporary political and social dynamics in the United States. Methods Drawing on national survey data, we investigate the intersection of partisanship, age, gender attitudes, and perceptions of Taylor Swift, a highly visible and successful woman. Results Our study reaches three important conclusions: First, views on Taylor Swift, like so much else in our society, are highly polarized by party and play an independent role in reinforcing partisan identities. Second, one of the sharpest divides on Taylor Swift is between Gen Z women and men, reflecting the pronounced gender divide among young voters that played a pivotal role in the 2024 presidential election. Finally, other than partisanship, the largest determinant of attitudes toward Taylor Swift is hostile sexism, wherein advances by women are seen as a threat. This effect manifests primarily among men, especially Republican men. Conclusion Like a “Mirrorball,” Swift has become a reflection of our society's deepest social and political fault lines and offers warning signs for the future of American politics.

Date: 2025
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