The Changing Influence of Union Membership and Education

Abstract

This research explores how changes in the educational attainment of American union members influence their partisanship, racial resentment, and support for social welfare. While the decline in union membership in American society is well-documented, the shifts in education levels among union members and the resulting effects on their political views remain largely unexamined. The importance of these changes is examined in the context of Donald Trump's populist movement. This research addresses the question of whether American union members with lower levels of education continue to identify with the Democratic Party. This research also examines whether union membership leads to reduced racial resentment and support for social welfare policies as previous research indicates it has. Political views among union members vary significantly, heavily influenced by their level of educational attainment. This empirical research tests whether union membership prevents citizens from supporting right-wing populist party movements as prior theory maintains. The findings suggest a new understanding of the role of union membership and education in American Politics.

Main research question

How have union members preferences changed as a result of their increased education.

What was already known 

Union membership matters less for forming political preferences compared to education.

What the research adds to the discussion?

Helps the discipline understand contemporary American electoral politics.

Implications for Society

Demonstrates weaker power of unions.