Taylor reviewed Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein
Review of "Why We're Polarized" on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
A well-researched look at the current state of things. Klein pulls from ample literature on political history, social science, and social psychology to give a thorough understanding of how we got here.
The first half covers some major historical shifts in US politics, rising polarization in the 20th and 21st century, and psychological biases. The second half transitions into current policy and procedure we've become entrenched in. Admitted bias and the occasional slight begin to accompany the commentary here. I rarely disagreed with any of it, but it felt misplaced considering the topic and marketing of the book. The audiobook exacerbates this. Klein laughs his way through some lines, often on partisan issues or quotes, to make sure you know he thinks they're silly. This certainly doesn't help disarm listeners to receive your message.
The ultimate focus is our locked-in two party system. Since the 1960s, our cooperation has steadily …
A well-researched look at the current state of things. Klein pulls from ample literature on political history, social science, and social psychology to give a thorough understanding of how we got here.
The first half covers some major historical shifts in US politics, rising polarization in the 20th and 21st century, and psychological biases. The second half transitions into current policy and procedure we've become entrenched in. Admitted bias and the occasional slight begin to accompany the commentary here. I rarely disagreed with any of it, but it felt misplaced considering the topic and marketing of the book. The audiobook exacerbates this. Klein laughs his way through some lines, often on partisan issues or quotes, to make sure you know he thinks they're silly. This certainly doesn't help disarm listeners to receive your message.
The ultimate focus is our locked-in two party system. Since the 1960s, our cooperation has steadily shrunk as federal importance overshadows state and local levels. Staple representation topics are covered like the EC, district manipulation, the filibuster, and DC and PR statehood, which is always great to see being discussed. Multiparty systems are recommended, but not covered thoroughly enough I felt with pros and cons. With the multiparty topic and others, I wish Klein would have looked outside the States for more information and examples of his proposed solutions. Another example of looking outside the States: what about polarization around the world? Is the US an outlier, are we part of a small group, or are many countries seeing similar rises in polarization? And what are their causes?
This is still a great read with the many studies referenced, the attention given to our biases, political history, and the general direction of progress Klein lays out. As partisanship continues to grow, it's best to be aware of it. Pew Research did a great report on political affiliation in potential romantic partners last year that put this rising issue into perspective for me.
