This isn't a new idea-- which is good, given that new ideas are usually wrong. Edward Banfield talked about this in the context of the debates over the American party system in the mid-1950s. Richard Bensel's book on Gilded Age parties-- I think it is called "The Political Economy of American Industrialism"-- makes a similar point. But i…
This isn't a new idea-- which is good, given that new ideas are usually wrong. Edward Banfield talked about this in the context of the debates over the American party system in the mid-1950s. Richard Bensel's book on Gilded Age parties-- I think it is called "The Political Economy of American Industrialism"-- makes a similar point. But it is good to have an entire book that focusses exclusively on this issue, and I will definitely read it now. In theory, recognizing that "left" and "right" refer to coalitions and policy positions that are constantly shifting should lead people to be more tolerant. But it won't, in my opinion, because people are naturally tribal, and enjoy feeling hatred for others.
This isn't a new idea-- which is good, given that new ideas are usually wrong. Edward Banfield talked about this in the context of the debates over the American party system in the mid-1950s. Richard Bensel's book on Gilded Age parties-- I think it is called "The Political Economy of American Industrialism"-- makes a similar point. But it is good to have an entire book that focusses exclusively on this issue, and I will definitely read it now. In theory, recognizing that "left" and "right" refer to coalitions and policy positions that are constantly shifting should lead people to be more tolerant. But it won't, in my opinion, because people are naturally tribal, and enjoy feeling hatred for others.