Abstract
This research examined the role that group dynamics played in the 2016 US presidential election. Just prior to the election, participants were assessed on perceived self-similarity to group members’ views, perception of own leader’s prototypicality, perceptions of social values, and strength of support (attitudes). Results indicated that Democrats were more inclusive, seeing more similarity between themselves and members from the outgroup political party, while Republicans displayed more ingroup solidarity and negative attitudes toward outgroup members. Trump was viewed as a more prototypical leader by Republicans than Clinton was by Democrats. These results may help to explain the perhaps surprising fragility of Democrat voters’ support for Clinton.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 19 |
Journal | Leadership |
Early online date | 24 Aug 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 24 Aug 2018 |
Keywords
- Leadership
- social identity theory
- social values
- Republicans
- Democrats