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Anti-Scientific Americans: The Prevalence, Origins, and Political Consequences of Anti-Intellectualism in the US
Anti-intellectualism has long been a powerful force in American political life. It has also regularly been the subject of both scholarly and public interest. In Anti-Scientific Americans, Matthew Motta revives Richard Hofstadter's pioneering insights from the 1960s on the subject and offers new theoretical and data-driven insights into the prevalence, origins, and policy consequences of anti-intellectualism in the US. He begins by conceptualizing anti-intellectualism as the dislike and distrust of scientists, academics, and other experts. He then brings together "micro-level" survey data from cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys spanning six decades, and aggregated "macro-level" data from hundreds of opinion polls dating back to the 1940s, to show that anti-intellectualism is both a pervasive and pernicious presence in American public life. Motta further examines how anti-intellectualism both shapes and is shaped by Americans' opposition to the role that experts play in the policymaking process. Methodologically rigorous and empirically powerful, this book concludes by highlighting how we can help reduce the prevalence and impact of anti-intellectualism in American politics and restore Americans' faith in experts.
340 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 16, 2026
Anti Scientific Americans is a compelling and timely examination of one of the most important social and political issues of our time.
Matthew Motta combines rigorous research with clear analysis to explore the origins and consequences of anti intellectualism in the United States.
The book presents complex political and social dynamics with remarkable clarity.
Its evidence based approach encourages thoughtful reflection rather than simple conclusions.
The discussion is balanced, insightful, and academically grounded.
The writing is accessible while maintaining a high standard of scholarly rigor.
The work provides valuable context for understanding public attitudes toward science and expertise.
Its interdisciplinary perspective makes it relevant to readers across politics, sociology, and public policy.
This is an important contribution to contemporary political and social scholarship.
Matthew Motta has produced a highly relevant work that will inform meaningful discussion for years to come.
Matthew Motta combines rigorous research with clear analysis to explore the origins and consequences of anti intellectualism in the United States.
The book presents complex political and social dynamics with remarkable clarity.
Its evidence based approach encourages thoughtful reflection rather than simple conclusions.
The discussion is balanced, insightful, and academically grounded.
The writing is accessible while maintaining a high standard of scholarly rigor.
The work provides valuable context for understanding public attitudes toward science and expertise.
Its interdisciplinary perspective makes it relevant to readers across politics, sociology, and public policy.
This is an important contribution to contemporary political and social scholarship.
Matthew Motta has produced a highly relevant work that will inform meaningful discussion for years to come.
December 28, 2025
Addresses an important and timely topic but reads like a graduate thesis. Author seems unsure of the audience for this work.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews