The political polarization in American politics can be closely aligned with the division of urban and rural America. From the beginning of our nation’s history with the Framers of the Constitution, to the industrialization of America in the 19th century, the urban political machines of the late 19th/early 20th centuries, and the suburbanization of America after World War II, this divide has shaped our political culture in many profound and distinct ways. Join Dr. Matt Hanka as he examines the historical, political, demographic, and economic reasons for this rural and urban divide, the overall implications and consequences for the future of our democratic republic and examine solutions that we can apply to bridge this longstanding and ever-growing divide.
Dr. Hanka is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Southern Indiana and has been at USI since 2010. Hanka earned a B.A. in History and Politics from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and an M.A. in Political Science and a Ph.D. in Urban and Public Affairs, both from the University of Louisville. His research interests include housing policy, community development, urban policy and governance, strategic planning, and social capital and his academic work has been published in 11 different peer reviewed journals. He lives in Evansville with his wife Ann and their two sons, MJ and David.
Historic New Harmony is a unified program of the University of Southern Indiana and the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. By preserving its utopian legacy, Historic New Harmony inspires innovation and progressive thought through its programs & collections. For more information on Historic New Harmony please visit USI.edu/hnh.
