The New Look in Political Ideology Research

Posted: 12 May 2015

See all articles by Edward G. Carmines

Edward G. Carmines

Indiana University Bloomington - Department of Political Science

Nicholas D'Amico

Indiana University - Department of Political Science

Date Written: May 2015

Abstract

Over 50 years of research into American political ideology have left scholars with a contested paradigm. One side argues that the mass public is distinctly nonideological. The other side argues that ideological thinking is not beyond the public. The way forward for research in political ideology does not lie in rehashing this debate but in advancing two new areas of work. The first considers the role that values and principles play in determining the political and ideological thinking of individuals. The second questions the current conception and measurement standards of political ideology. This research argues that ideology among the American mass public is formed by positions along two related but separate dimensions. In this article, we summarize the major arguments of and criticisms of current ideology research. Then we discuss recent research on principles and values and the measurement of ideology.

Suggested Citation

Carmines, Edward G. and D'Amico, Nicholas, The New Look in Political Ideology Research (May 2015). Annual Review of Political Science, Vol. 18, pp. 205-216, 2015, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2605432 or http://dx.doi.org/10.1146/annurev-polisci-060314-115422

Edward G. Carmines (Contact Author)

Indiana University Bloomington - Department of Political Science ( email )

Bloomington, IN
United States

Nicholas D'Amico

Indiana University - Department of Political Science ( email )

Bloomington, IN
United States

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