My work explores the intersection of national and political identities and how these self-categorisations relate to political polarisation. The proposed research will use the social identity approach as the framework to investigate the nature of US political identities, focusing primarily on the subjective representations of identity content and its related threats and appeals. The aim is to identify representations that may be implicated as moderators of affective political polarisation, identifying discourse that either exacerbates political polarisation or promotes common ground. Both national and ideological identification are currently used to understand citizens' attitudes towards a variety of issues, particularly regarding the treatment of outgroups. By attempting to identify the underlying factors related to US political identities as a difference in national attachment, it is hoped that this measure will add explanatory and predictive value related to political attitudes, policy positions and candidate messaging.
I am a political psychologist currently researching American political identities. My interests lie in the role of perceived identity in political influence and decision making. To investigate these areas, I employ a mixed methods approach using Q-methodology and qualitative thematic analysis as well as quantitative analysis.
Prior to my academic career, I held roles as a Director in PwC's Global Capital Markets Group, a full-time mom for my three children, and a consultant for a technology start-up.
Hanson, K. and O'Dwyer, E. (2019), Patriotism and Nationalism, Left and Right: A Q‐Methodology Study of American National Identity. Political Psychology. doi:10.1111/pops.12561
Hanson, K., O'Dwyer, E., & Lyons, E. (2019). The Individual and the Nation: A Qualitative Analysis of US Liberal and Conservative Identity Content. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 7(1), 378-401. doi:10.5964/jspp.v7i1.1062
Hanson, Kristin and O'Dwyer, Emma (2019) Patriotism and nationalism, left and right : a Q-methodology study of American national identity. Political Psychology, 40(4), pp. 777-795. ISSN (print) 0162-895X
Hanson, Kristin, O'Dwyer, Emma and Lyons, Evanthia (2019) The individual and the nation : a qualitative analysis of US liberal and conservative identity content. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 7(1), pp. 378-401. ISSN (online) 2195-3325