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Trump's Theoretical Analysis

Decent Essays

Trump’s election can be explained by Durkheim, Weber, Marx, Du Bois, and Smith. The “disturbances of collective order” (Durkheim 1915, 246) or norms with spikes in unemployment and increased competition in labor market could have resulted in what Durkheim referred to as anomic suicide. People’s lives have been greatly impacted and they are uncertain of the future in America. Trump argues that immigrants pose a competition in labor market and he promised to bring jobs back for American workers or the White working class. It’s harder for them to live with the decline of jobs because in the old economic order, White workers have greater opportunities for growth. When their expectation of themselves in the society is threatened, Trump’s promise …show more content…

Trump acts as a religious figure where he dictates the morality of the collective. The collective has the power to impose moral expectations on the individual that explains their actions. Many people identify with the Republican party where their views are dominated by the collective in which they identify with and thus, support their collective leader. Durkheim defines religion as a system of beliefs and practices that unite a community through “collective effervescence” that forms “harmony and unison of movement[s]” (Durkheim 1915, 218). The force of collective on individuals could be uncontrollable and it dominates their bodies and perceptions that leads to “outlandish behavior” (Durkheim 1915, 218). Trump supporters lose themselves in a rally and experience a sense of euphoria by being in a collective and cheering on what they considered is sacred. Trump claims to provide his followers the sacred while protecting them from the “profane” such as the Mexicans or the Muslims. The followers believe in the faith of a “better America” and possess totems that represent their unity such as the red hat or the campaign …show more content…

However, when confidence in the government is lost due to public crises, people seek a charismatic leader. As a charismatic leader, “men do not obey him by virtue of tradition or statute, but because they believe in him” (Weber 1946, 79). Trump expresses charisma in his determination and vows to make “make great America again”, which impresses his followers. Many may find Trump to be inspiring, honest, or courageous. It’s those unique characteristics that gain him authority and is a powerful form of domination that builds a close relationship between the leader and his/her followers. Trump does not abide by norms or traditional policies, he has a personal approach in the system. His passionate emphasis on his ability to restore broken policies and America, convinces and attracts followers that believe in his infallible

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