Notes on 'America is an Oligarchy?' Study Rebuttals

Introduction

• 2014 Study by Gilens and Page: Suggested that economic elites and business groups have significant influence on U.S. policy, while average citizens have little.
• Viral Impact: This was interpreted as evidence that America is an oligarchy.
• Rebuttals: Multiple studies have challenged the findings of Gilens and Page.

Key Arguments Against the Oligarchy Conclusion

Agreement Between Classes

• High Agreement on Policies: Out of 1,779 policy issues analyzed, the rich and middle class agree on 89.6%.
• Disagreement Outcomes: When disagreements occur, both groups achieve their desired outcomes about half the time (rich 53%, middle class 47%).

Studies Challenging Gilens/Page

• Researchers: Peter Enns, Omar Bashir, and a team led by Branham, Soroka, and Wlezien.
• Findings:
  • Rich and middle class often agree on policies.
  • Rich do not always dominate when there's disagreement.
  • The middle class wins a notable number of policy battles.

Specific Issues

• Ideological Wins: Rich and middle class have similar ideological wins.
• Economic vs. Social Issues: Rich win slightly more in economic issues, but not significantly more than social issues.

Gilens and Page's Defense

• Criticisms Addressed:
  • Discrepancies emphasized using broader income definitions.
  • Agreement does not negate the influence disparities.
  • "Win rates" criticized for not considering degrees of support.

Broader Implications on Democracy

Representation and Policy

• Representation vs. Policy Outcomes: Direct correlation between public opinion and policy is not always expected or ideal.
• Political Engagement: Many Americans prefer policymakers to make decisions.

Public Opinion Challenges

• Non-Attitudes: Public opinions on complex issues can lack depth and understanding.

Historical Context

• Past Government Responsiveness: More responsive periods in history do not always correlate with better governance.

Theoretical Perspectives

• Alternative Views on Democracy:
  • Deliberative democracy and civic virtue are other measures beyond simple representation.

Wealth Inequality Concerns

• Ongoing Debate: The discussion continues on how wealth inequality impacts American democracy and policy-making.

Conclusion

• Scholarly Debate: While the rich have influence, the idea that America is purely an oligarchy is overstated.
• Complex Dynamics: Democracy involves nuanced interactions between different societal groups and interests.