Scaring the Democrats: What’s the Matter with Thomas Frank’s Argument?

Abstract

Thomas Frank argues that Republicans are able to use cultural issues to suppress class divisions. They appeal to religiously conservative working class voters by opposing abortion and homosexuality. The difficulty is that the evidence of the last 40 years shows a growing class division in American politics, with less affluent whites more supportive of Democrats now than 20 - 30 years ago. Indeed, even in Kansas less affluent legislative districts are much more supportive of Democrats than affluent districts.

Recommended Citation

Stonecash, Jeffrey M. (2005) "Scaring the Democrats: What’s the Matter with Thomas Frank’s Argument?," The Forum: Vol. 3 : Iss. 3, Article 4.
DOI: 10.2202/1540-8884.1096
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/forum/vol3/iss3/art4