Inequality Has Made the United States More Vulnerable to Demagogues
When one with honeyed words
but evil mind
Persuades the mob,
great woes befall the state.
- Euripedes (480 BCE – 406 BCE)
In the United States, a confluence of economic and social inequalities has formed a potent breeding ground for demagogues, particularly affecting white male demographics.
This vulnerability stems from despair, economic stagnation, and perceived societal displacement, distinguishing the environment as uniquely susceptible to the promises of charismatic, disruptive leaders.
Before the pandemic struck, the landscape was already grim, with 20% of prime-aged males disengaged from the labor force despite seemingly strong economic indicators like low unemployment rates and robust stock markets. This detachment is underscored by the alarming figure of 70,000 annual “deaths of despair” — comprising suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol poisoning — predominantly among less-educated, middle-aged white men. This demographic, seemingly overlooked by the narrative of economic prosperity, has become fertile soil for the siren calls of demagogues who exploit their despair and disillusionment for political gain.
The disparity in optimism between low-income minorities and their white counterparts adds another layer to this complex issue. Despite facing their own set of challenges, minorities have shown a remarkable resilience and optimism not found among the white demographic experiencing economic and social decline. This suggests a critical lack of community support and societal bonds among affected white males, making them more susceptible to extremist political figures promising simple solutions to their multifaceted problems.
The correlation between areas of high despair and the voting patterns favoring disruptive political candidates reveals the significant impact of economic and social distress on broader political behaviors. This correlation indicates a profound political and social ramification where despair not only diminishes personal well-being but also influences the democratic process, making communities more receptive to demagoguery.
The crisis of despair, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic through heightened drug overdoses and mental health deterioration, calls for an urgent comprehensive response. Recommendations for a federal task force to address addiction and despair highlight the necessity for coordinated efforts that go beyond fragmented policy responses, aiming to address the root causes of economic decline, community disintegration, and untreated mental health issues.
Drawing parallels with successful interventions in countries like the U.K. and New Zealand, where well-being is a central policy priority, underscores the potential for the U.S. to adopt similar strategies. These international examples provide a blueprint for addressing the crisis of despair through coordinated, community-focused efforts and well-being interventions, suggesting a path forward that involves both policy innovation and societal restructuring.
The increasing economic inequality, despite overall wealth gains, places additional stress on social cohesion and contentment. The stark disparity in income growth between the wealthiest Americans and the middle class, coupled with the dramatic increase in CEO-to-worker pay ratios, illustrates the growing economic chasm that fuels discontent and disillusionment.
The historical perspective on inequality, viewing it as a threat to societal harmony and stability, rings particularly true in today’s context. Economic policies and practices exacerbating disparities, particularly those with a racial dimension like redlining, further entrench social and economic divides, making the societal landscape even more prone to exploitation by demagogues.
In sum, the combination of rising inequality, despair among white males, and the inadequacy of current policy responses create conditions ripe for the rise of demagogues in the United States. This scenario demands a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes of despair, promotes economic equity, and fosters a sense of community.
BIbliography
- Front. Sociol., 31 March 2023, Sec. Public Mental Health.” Volume 8 – 2023. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2023.1123284.
- Graham, Carol. “America’s Crisis of Despair: A Federal Task Force for Economic Recovery and Societal Well-being.” February 10, 2021. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/americas-crisis-of-despair-a-federal-task-force-for-economic-recovery-and-societal-well-being/#top.
- Williams, David Lay. “Economic Inequality Is Getting Worse, and It’s a Threat to Our Republic.” November 21, 2023. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2023/11/21/23966950/income-inequality-economics-federal-reserve-report-political-threat-david-williams-depaul-op-ed.
- Bernhardt, Dan, Stefan Krasa, and Mehdi Shadmehr. “Demagogues and the Economic Fragility of Democracies.” July 4, 2022. http://www.econ.uiuc.edu/~skrasa/AER_Final_202206.pdf.
