Conflicted Conservatism and Support for Police Use of Force

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Political science research suggests that “conflicted conservatives,” who identify as conservative but hold liberal policy preferences, have a disproportionate influence on policy change because their opinions reflect variable pragmatic concerns rather than stable ideological concerns (Stimson, 2004). Despite this, we know little about what shapes this potentially influential group’s attitudes toward criminal justice, particularly law enforcement. This study uses data from the General Social Survey to compare the extent to which pragmatic and symbolic concerns shape support for police use of force among conflicted conservatives and members of other ideological groups. The results suggest that conflicted conservatives’ attitudes toward police use of force are somewhat more driven by pragmatic concerns and less driven by symbolic concerns than are those of committed conservatives, liberals, or moderates. However, the findings are also consistent with the notion that public opinion regarding crime and criminal justice is complex and context-dependent.

Authors

• Jasmine R. Silver, University at Albany, SUNY

• Justin T. Pickett, University at Albany, SUNY