Citizenship in Hard Times

'As threats to democracy arise in many lands, how will citizens respond? Sara Wallace Goodman's incisive three-nation comparison shows that, influenced by partisan positioning and electoral systems, some citizens may defend democratic processes and institutions vigorously, but many may not. A disturbing but essential analysis.' Rogers M. Smith, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Political Science, University of Pennsylvania
'Can citizens uphold democracy? Yes. Will they? It depends. Building on thorough research and innovative theorizing, Citizenship in Hard Times explores how the dynamics of partisan conflicts shapes citizens' priorities, and, most urgently, how zero-sum winner-take-all politics can lead citizens to prioritize their side winning over democratic norms. A must-read for anybody concerned about the future of American democracy.' Lee Drutman, Senior Fellow, Political Reform Program, New America Foundation
'Goodman argues that democratic crisis is as much about the norm-based decisions that citizens make as it is about the violation of democratic norms by 'those in charge.' She then goes on to explain how and when citizens are 'the midwives of authoritarianism' and when they are the defenders of democracy instead. Turning our attention away from the behavior of political elites and toward the norms of ordinary people, this book will provoke deep conversation and deeper concern. It is both timely and bold.' Nancy Bermeo, Nuffield Senior Research Fellow, University of Oxford
'… timely, sophisticated analysis … Through this compelling study, Goodman alerts readers to the fragile nature of democracy and raises a number of crucial questions. … Recommended.' S. E. Frantzich, CHOICE
'… this book is in the rare tradition of work that needs to be read and taken seriously by scholars across discipline and subfield. It has a place in the pantheon of comparative public opinion scholarship that asks big questions and searches widely and deeply for answers.' Matthew Wright, Perspectives on Politics
'… an important contribution to the study of democracy in times of various threats, particularly the pitfalls of partisanship.' Mia K. Gandenberger, The Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics
'Goodman's … book is a fantastic and worthwhile read. It forces scholars to recognize that the meaning of citizenship is context contingent, and it means different things to different people.' Ryan Dawkins, The Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics