Why do some people seem to vote against their economic interests? Why do politicians enact policies that seem contrary to the interests of the people who vote for them? Why do people engage in protest when they could reap the benefits of others’ protest without having to get involved? These are questions that have puzzled political scientists since the discipline began.
Gwyneth McClendon tackles these questions in her new book, “Envy in Politics.” In a book remarkably well grounded in a broad range of literature, including behavioral economics, political theory, ethnic politics and anthropology, McClendon argues that political scientists have largely ignored what psychologists have long understood: that “people care about maintaining and improving their social status within groups.” In other words, envy — “a feeling of hostility toward the greater success of others” — matters. CONT.
Laura Seay (Colby College), Monkey Cage