Photo courtesy Steven Zucker via flickr
About us
Who counts as a “real” American? What is required of a “good” citizen? Is American democracy flourishing or floundering? In today’s deeply polarized America, the answers to these questions depend on who you ask, but the ways that people answer them matter for us all. The Meanings of Democracy Lab, founded and directed by sociologist Dr. Ruth Braunstein, engages students and partners in collaborative research and discussion about the contested moral and cultural foundations of American democratic life. Current projects focus on the moral meanings of taxpaying and on battles over American identity and history.
Contact us
If you are interested in participating in or collaborating with the Meanings of Democracy Lab, please contact
Dr. Ruth Braunstein at ruth.braunstein@uconn.edu.
What’s New
- Profiles in Resistance: Jews For a Secular DemocracyJews for a Secular Democracy is a nationwide initiative of the Society for Humanistic Judaism that began in April 2018. Drawing from Jewish perspectives and pluralistic values, they combine education and community organizing to uphold secularism. They believe Jewish voices and community are necessary to oppose the ongoing elevation of Christian Nationalism. Jews for a […]
- News Weekly Round-Up, April 22nd – 26thMoD News Roundup April 22 – April 26 2024 The Weekly Roundup is a student-led initiative of the Meanings of Democracy Lab highlighting the latest news about Christian Nationalism and resistance to it. CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM IN THE NEWS TheHumanist: New documentary, “Bad Faith” shows foundations and dangers of Christian Nationalism Post: More on Trump’s threat to […]
- News Weekly Round-Up, April 15th – 19thNews Weekly Round-Up, April 15th – 19th, 2024. The Weekly Roundup is a student-led initiative of the Meanings of Democracy Lab highlighting the latest news about Christian Nationalism and resistance to it. CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM IN THE NEWS SaltLakeCityTribune: Pat Bagley Christian Nationalism Cartoon ChristianPost: Scholar with Family Research Council (FRC) criticizes New Haven Declaration TheHumanist: […]
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Happy #MothersDay! Motherhood has changed throughout time as the social and political landscape have shifted. It changed when Roe v. Wade was decided and again when it was overturned. Let’s talk about reproductive rights. 🪡
Leading with @DCampoamor’s article for @MsMagazine!
Would be interested in more research or coverage like this for our studies 💡We’re familiar with @MatthewBoedy’s work covering Charlie Kirk and TPUSA for his upcoming book SEVEN MOUNTAIN. Please share!
#ChristianNationalism
This is a really important piece. A must-read if you're tracking shifts and changes in the American religious landscape. Implications abound!