This study provides the first systematic book-length reassessment and restatement of the sociological approach to American politics in more than 20 years. It examines the changing nature of social cleavages and their effect on political allegiances and voting behavior in the United States since the 1950s. It also challenges widespread arguments that the importance of social cleavages have declined precipitously in recent years.

• Introduction


• 1: The Sociological Tradition in Political Behaviour Research


• 1: Social Cleavages and American Politics


• 3: Class


• 4: Religion


• 5: Gender


• 6: Race and the Social Bases of Voter Alignments


• 7: Party Coalitions


• 8: Social Cleavages in the 1996 Elections


• 9: Third Party Candidates


• 10: Conclusion

Jeff Manza is Associate Professor of Sociology and Faculty Fellow, Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University
Clem Brooks is Associate Professor of Sociology at Indiana University, Bloomington