How Issues and Ideology Becoming Linked: The Politicization of Childhood Vaccine Requirements

• In Event: 4322 - Section on Political Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 10. Perspectives on Current Political Issues

Abstract

This paper offers a theoretical argument concerning how issues become tied to political ideology and party agendas. My central argument is that when individuals experience disagreement on a controversial issue in a “friendly” political environment (i.e., where others in their community share their political views), the issue tends to be downplayed as a simple difference of opinion, and the issue remains de-politicized. However, individuals who experience disagreement in “hostile” territory (i.e., where political opponents are the numerical majority) are more likely to interpret the disagreement as evidence of political differences. In this case, issue positions become linked to political identity and, by extension, to ideological agendas. I test this theory using survey data on Californian's attitudes on childhood immunization requirements.

Author

• Kevin A. Estep, Creighton University