Abstract

The purpose of this study was to look at the support of a proposed Act and renewable energy jobs as it paired with endorsement from elite Republicans. This was tested across political groups but mainly focuses on Republican responses. The hypothesis was that with elite endorsement Republican approval will increase for both the Act and renewable energy jobs. This study also focuses on attitudes of local farmers in Northeastern Ohio on soil conservation and how Republican values and identity politics affect this. This was studied through both a survey of approximately 450 people and through archival work. The results indicate that elite endorsement did not increase support for either the Act or renewable energy jobs within the Republican sample. Democrats and Independents responses actually increased support for the Act even with Republican endorsement. Additionally, while endorsement does not increase support, within this sample, support for both was relatively high. Both the Act and jobs are predictable by political identification, this is also a stronger predictor than the prime (elite endorsement). The archival research found that racial identity politics catalyze political beliefs already held by many local farmers which intensifies their desire to not have their farming be governed, which includes how they treat their soil.

Advisor

Haider, Erum

Department

Environmental Studies

Disciplines

Environmental Studies | Political Science

Publication Date

2021

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis Exemplar

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© Copyright 2021 Leah H. Jorn