Trigger points: inequality and political polarisation
About this Event
Speakers:
Professor Steffen Mau, Director, Max Planck Institute of Political and Social Science and Professor of Macrosociology, Humboldt-University of Berlin
Dr Sacha Hilhorst, Hallsworth Fellow, University of Manchester
Professor Jonathan Hopkin, Professor of Comparative Politics in the Department of Government at LSE
Chair:
Professor Naila Kabeer, Emeritus Professor of Gender and Development, Department of International Development, LSE
Today’s political debates are fiercely polarised. But looking beyond the headlines, ordinary citizens hold much more nuanced, less divided views.
Drawing on rich survey data and group discussions, Trigger Points maps four major areas of conflict: migration, climate change, diversity, and economic justice. Across these conflicts, most citizens take positions that are middle-of-the-road, contradictory, or undecided. It is only certain ‘trigger points' – like gendered pronouns or refugee admissions – that predictably ignite tensions and deep disagreement. Political entrepreneurs know this and weaponize trigger points for their agenda. Yet the real key to contemporary conflicts, the book argues, lies in social inequality.
After examining the key insights from the book, our panel will reflect on the lessons learned for the UK context and what the book’s arguments reveal about inequality, polarisation and public debate in Britain today.
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Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
