What's in it for Me?: Self-Interest and Political Difference

Why do we have the political views that we do? This book argues that our views tend to satisfy self-interest, and that progressive worldviews are not as altruistic as their adherents believe. It suggests that recognition of self-interest can make us more self-reflective and help us solve our political differences.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 216 pages
\n Publication date: 12 January 2021
\n Publisher: Manchester University Press
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This thought-provoking and daring book poses a straightforward yet often overlooked inquiry: why do we hold the political beliefs that we do? Through a lively and innovative examination of five worldviews—conservatism, national populism, liberalism, the new left, and social democracy—Thomas Prosser compellingly argues that our views often serve our self-interest, albeit indirectly. However, this book goes beyond mere pessimism. Prosser contends that acknowledging our self-interest can enhance our self-reflection, enabling us to perceive humanity in adversaries and counteract the influence of echo chambers. In the context of rising populist parties and declining liberalism and social democracy, this timely intervention makes a compelling case for recognizing our commonalities as the first step towards resolving our political differences.

Conservatism:
Conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes the preservation of traditional values, institutions, and practices. It often prioritizes individual freedom, limited government, and free market capitalism. Conservatism holds that society is a living organism that requires stability and order to thrive, and that government should play a limited role in shaping society.

National Populism:
National populism is a political movement that emerged in response to globalization, economic inequality, and cultural displacement. It appeals to the concerns of ordinary people who feel left behind by the mainstream political establishment. National populists often promote a nationalist agenda, emphasizing the importance of national identity, sovereignty, and protection against external threats.

Liberalism:
Liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality. It advocates for a government that is responsive to the needs of its citizens and that promotes social and economic justice. Liberals believe in the power of reason, democracy, and the market to create a better society.

The New Left:
The New Left is a political movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in response to the social and economic challenges of the post-World War II era. It is characterized by its emphasis on social inequality, political activism, and the need for radical social change. The New Left advocates for a more democratic and egalitarian society, with a greater focus on the needs of marginalized groups such as women, people of color, and the working class.

Social Democracy:
Social democracy is a political ideology that combines elements of liberalism and socialism. It advocates for a mixed economy that combines public ownership of key industries with private enterprise and social welfare programs to ensure economic equality and social protection. Social democrats believe in the power of government to address social and economic problems and to promote social justice.

Self-Interest and Political Views:
Thomas Prosser argues that our political views are shaped by our self-interest, even though we may not consciously recognize it. He suggests that our views tend to align with those that serve our interests, whether it is protecting our jobs, preserving our cultural heritage, or advancing our political agenda.

Recognizing Self-Interest:
Prosser contends that recognizing our self-interest can lead to greater self-reflection and a more nuanced understanding of our political beliefs. By acknowledging our self-interest, we can become more open to alternative perspectives and less susceptible to the influence of echo chambers.

Countering the Influence of Echo Chambers:
Echo chambers are social media platforms or communities where people with similar political views gather and reinforce their beliefs. Prosser argues that recognizing our self-interest can help us break out of these echo chambers and engage with people who hold different views. This can lead to a more informed and balanced understanding of political issues.

Solving Political Differences:
To solve our political differences, Prosser suggests that we must first recognize what we have in common. He argues that our shared values, experiences, and concerns can serve as a foundation for building bridges and finding common ground. By recognizing our commonalities, we can move beyond our differences and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this punchy and provocative book offers a thought-provoking analysis of the factors that shape our political views. By recognizing our self-interest and engaging with people who hold different perspectives, we can break out of echo chambers and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious society. The recognition of self-interest makes us more self-reflective, allowing us to see humanity in adversaries and countering the influence of echo chambers. As populist parties rise and liberalism and social democracy decline, this timely intervention argues that to solve our political differences, we must first realize what we have in common.

\n Weight: 338g\n
Dimension: 133 x 210 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781526152329\n \n