Description

The left and right will always have strong policy disagreements but constructive debate and negotiation are not possible when each side demonizes the other In this book social psychologist Ronnie JanoffBulman provides a new framework for understanding why and how we disagree

JanoffBulman asks listeners to consider the challenging possibility that both liberalism and conservatism are morally based and reflect genuine concern for the country Moral psychology is an invaluable lens for understanding the roots of political differences She presents a Model of Moral Motives that maps the most fundamental motivations recognized by psychologyapproach and avoidanceonto these differences Liberal morality focuses on providing for the groups wellbeing and ensuring social justice Conservative morality focuses on protecting the group from threats and preserving order

These moralities can account for the psychological differences between liberals and conservatives and for why certain positions resonate on each side of the political spectrum Why for example do conservatives oppose abortion and favor unfettered free markets while liberals favor a womans right to choose and economic regulation Understanding that our political differences are rooted in two natural forms of morality can help us begin to detoxify our politics