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Handbook of Patriotism pp 1–20Cite as

Poverty and Patriotism in America

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Abstract

Researchers in the social sciences and humanities have devoted considerable attention to the concept of patriotism. This volume attests to that. The resulting scholarship is rich in analytical variety, geographical and historical dimensions, and connections to other substantives points of interest. Yet, despite all this, one particular – and consequential – aspect of patriotism remains still largely understudied: its relationship to class. How does class affect the nature and level of patriotism? This essay considers this question in light of the very high levels of patriotism among America’s poorest citizens. First, it documents those levels in absolute and comparative terms, while in parallel pointing out that there are good reasons to expect those levels to be much lower. Second, it reflects on why such patriotism matters. Third, it develops possible explanations for those high levels of patriotism based on existing literatures on American patriotism in general, marginalized groups, and social cohesion. Fourth, it considers the findings of a research project recently conducted on the issue. Finally, it concludes with a summary and reflections on future directions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, USA

    Francesco Duina

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  1. Francesco Duina
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Correspondence to Francesco Duina .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Educational Research Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Mitja Sardoc

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Duina, F. (2019). Poverty and Patriotism in America. In: Sardoc, M. (eds) Handbook of Patriotism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30534-9_61-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-30534-9_61-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-30534-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-30534-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Religion and PhilosophyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Humanities

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