Divisions in American Politics
The Central Issues-Class and Culture
Why Interpretations Matter
The Puzzling State of Interpretations
The Concerns and Plan of the Book
Inequality and Opportunity in America: Growing Differences
By the Numbers: Trends in Income and Wealth Inequality
Inequality and the Lives of Americans
Interpreting Inequality
Conclusion
Parties and Policy Proposals on Class Issues
Increased Party Differences
Taxes: Battles over Revenues and Who Pays
Battles over Programs
Social Security, Private Markets, and Redistribution Issues
Summary
Class Divides in the American Public
The Public's Perceptions of Inequality
The Public's Perceptions of the Parties
The Emergence of Class Divisions
Limits on Class Divisions in American Society
The Political Debate about Inequality
The Importance of Short-Term Events
Conclusion
The Rise of Cultural Issues: Trends and Developments in American Society
Religion in Schools
Sex Education
Sex in Popular Media
Abortion
The Role of Women in Society
The American Family
Homosexual Rights
Summary
Party and Policy Proposals on Cultural Issues
Party Platforms
Congressional Action
Presidential Politics
Conclusion
Cultural Divides in the American Public
Mass Recognition of Elite Changes
Cultural Issues and Electoral Behavior
Religion, Cultural Issues, and American Electoral Behavior
Conclusion
The Dual Divisions of Class and Culture
A More Conservative Nation?
Concern with Economic Issues
Adding New Issues to Existing Ones
Class, Views on Abortion, and Voting Pattern Dynamics
Class, Views on Gays, and Voting Pattern Dynamics
Opposing Interpretations
Endnotes
Index.