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THEORIES OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM

THEORIES OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM. Gary Klass POS232: Politics and Public Policy. American Creed Consensus Theory. middle-class dominant or "classless" society -- residual underclass. Policy trends . Limited government, except in education.

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THEORIES OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM

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  1. THEORIES OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM Gary Klass POS232: Politics and Public Policy

  2. American Creed \ Consensus Theory • middle-class dominant or "classless" society -- residual underclass

  3. Policy trends • Limited government, except in education. • progressive development in periods of “middle class” reform • Government expands (in spurts) in reaction to appeals to middle class conscience

  4. Popular ideology • American Creed: limited government., individualism, self-reliance; tempered by commitment to principles of equality and fair play. progressive development in periods of “middle class” reform • Government expands in reaction to appeals to middle class conscience

  5. Governing institutions Fragmented institutions: • Federalism • Sep. of Powers • Checks & Balances • weak parties

  6. Class conflict \ Social control • business elite seeks power and money; oppresses the poor and working class

  7. Policy trends • limited government in social welfare (for the poor) • big government for corporate interests and the wealthy • cycles of expansion to control unrest and contraction enforce low wages

  8. Popular ideology • American laissez-faire ideology is a “false ideology” that separates politics and economics. • class consciousness is needed

  9. Governing institutions Fragmented institutions: • designed to prevent majority control, • and encourage corruption and business\elite control

  10. Minority empowerment • middle class oppression of minorities and women, in addition to power elite oppression

  11. Policy trends • essential characteristic of policy is the pervasive racism and sexism • Research describes backlash, retrenchment, erosion of previous gains

  12. Popular ideology • inherently racist/sexist value system that serves white, male, middle-class interests. • Belief in individualism and limited govt. are a cover (symbolic racism) for self-interests of the oppressors.

  13. Governing institutions • majoritarian institutions are a threat to minority interests

  14. Communitarian • Hyperpluralism • conflict among: racial, ethnic, religious, language, economic classes and beneficiary and constituency groups

  15. Policy trends • means-tested, targeted and decentralized programs. • special interest politics • fragmented policies serve to fragment society • Societal fragmentation exacerbates demands for special interest policies.

  16. Popular ideology • changing values of integration and isolation among both majority and minority groups • consciousness of “common ground” citizenship interests is needed

  17. Governing institutions • fragmented government and targeted social policy promote special interest demands on government

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