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What makes someone vote against their political party? - Sarah Longwell

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Our brains are hardwired to crave community and belonging — a tribal instinct that drives politics in the United States, says political strategist Sarah Longwell. She shares what she learned trying to convince people to vote against their political party in a recent election and shows why telling a better story about democracy is key to bridging the ideological divide.

Additional Resources for you to Explore

Understanding the complexities of tribalism, democracy, and political polarization is crucial in today's socio-political landscape. To explore these themes further, one can delve into articles such as "The Importance of Belonging to a Tribe" by Psychology Today, which offers insights into the human inclination towards tribal affiliations. 

Those interested in the intersection of democracy and tribalism may find the book "The Tribal Imagination: Civilization and the Savage Mind" by Robin Fox to be a thought-provoking read, offering historical perspectives on tribal dynamics and their implications for modern governance.

Watch Simon Sineck and Jarik Consrad discuss why we form tribes and seek belonging, and the importance of forming connections based on common vision and shared values. In another talk, watch Richard Wangram discuss the evolutionary origins of tribalism, part of a Leaky Foundation symposium called “Explore Human Behavior at “Our Tribal Nature: Tribalism, Politics, and Evolution.”

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  • Speaker Sarah Longwell