• We’re MASSIVELY overstating our political violence problem — and that’s dangerous! | Sean Westwood

  • Sep 16 2024
  • Length: 36 mins
  • Podcast

We’re MASSIVELY overstating our political violence problem — and that’s dangerous! | Sean Westwood

Listen for free

View show details

  • Summary

  • Many surveys and headlines have claimed there's a large percentage of Americans who support political violence. Some estimates have been around 25% – and some have gone as high as 40%! This is very scary; it ramps up fears of a violent and chaotic American future, and even fears of a civil war. But political polarization researchers like my guest Sean Westwood have shown that many people are massively overstating the problem. And that overstatement is leading to hysterical and unhelpful framings and debates. Worst of all, these exaggerated fears can even contribute to a self-reinforcing cycle… a self-fulfilling prophecy. Topics discussed include: what the faulty surveys and studies are missing; how bad survey design (ambiguous questions, or leading questions) can lead to faulty estimates; what more accurate survey results tell us; how exaggerated fears can contribute to a self-fulfilling prophecy; and why people embrace and promote overly pessimistic narratives.

    Learn more and sign up for a premium subscription at PeopleWhoReadPeople.com.
    Show more Show less
Show more Show less
activate_Holiday_promo_in_buybox_DT_T2

What listeners say about We’re MASSIVELY overstating our political violence problem — and that’s dangerous! | Sean Westwood

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available