Complete Schedule

Presentation Type

Open Access Poster Presentation

Abstract

What dynamics influence the working-class to vote against their economic interests?

By performing thirteen interviews with working-class Iowans about their perceptions of politics and feeling of power over politics, this project found a pattern of powerlessness caused by a disconnect with government officials. Through examining how the dimensions of power with people’s internal feelings of powerlessness, this project offers a look into how the working-class has become powerless and how this powerlessness interacts with their perceptions of politics.

My main finding was that people perceive business interests have power over politics, with this being the same for conservatives, moderates, and liberals. This perception then shape show participants perceive politics in general, with them feeling powerless and voiceless.

Start Date

13-4-2026 11:00 AM

End Date

13-4-2026 11:50 AM

Faculty Advisor

Ana Kogl

Department

School of Public Affairs and Service

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Comments

Award: Boatright Undergraduate Research Award

File Format

application/pdf

File Size

210 KB

Download

Comments?

Share

COinS
 
Apr 13th, 11:00 AM Apr 13th, 11:50 AM

We Don't Get Our Voices Heard, We Work: Power, Perception, and the Working-Class

What dynamics influence the working-class to vote against their economic interests?

By performing thirteen interviews with working-class Iowans about their perceptions of politics and feeling of power over politics, this project found a pattern of powerlessness caused by a disconnect with government officials. Through examining how the dimensions of power with people’s internal feelings of powerlessness, this project offers a look into how the working-class has become powerless and how this powerlessness interacts with their perceptions of politics.

My main finding was that people perceive business interests have power over politics, with this being the same for conservatives, moderates, and liberals. This perception then shape show participants perceive politics in general, with them feeling powerless and voiceless.