Theories of identity, signaling, and partisanship | 10 | Political Bel - Taylor & Francis eBooks
taylorfrancis.com
Your political beliefs may not be your own — this chapter dissects how partisan identity hijacks reasoning, turning voters into walking team jerseys rather than independent thinkers.
Identity TheorySignaling TheoryMotivated ReasoningPartisan Identity
Theory Briefing
- Dan Kahan's influential work argues that political beliefs are shaped by cultural identity rather than independent rational analysis.
- Signaling theory suggests voters adopt partisan positions to broadcast group loyalty, not to express genuine personal conviction.
- The chapter challenges whether any political belief can be truly 'ours' if identity precedes and determines the belief itself.