Exploring the Role of Harassment in Political Participation

The American Political Science Review (APSR) recently introduced its new editorial team, which includes scholars such as Marisa Abrajano from the University of California, San Diego and Laia. UChicago professors Monika Nalepa and Andrew Eggers were also announced as part of the incoming editorial team, signaling a diverse and experienced group of individuals leading the prestigious journal.

As part of the APSA Public Scholarship Program, graduate students in political science have been actively producing summaries of new research published in the American Political Science Review. This initiative aims to make scholarly work more accessible to a wider audience and promote engagement with cutting-edge political science research.

One of the key trends in American elections highlighted in recent research is the significant growth of independent expenditures as a source of campaign spending. A substantial portion of this funding comes from "dark money" sources, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

In a series of field experiments, researchers sought to understand how harassment affects political participation and representation. By examining who gets to "speak up" in politics and whose voices are silenced, the study sheds light on the barriers faced by marginalized groups in engaging in the political process.

The findings of the study suggest that harassment significantly hinders individuals' willingness to participate in political activities, leading to a silencing effect on certain voices in the public sphere. This has implications for the overall representativeness and inclusivity of political decision-making processes.