Political Science and International Relations

Paving a Path Toward Peace

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Paving a Path Toward Peace dreessen Wed, 11/19/2025 - 15:33

Geneseo Prepares Many Grads for Law Careers

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Geneseo Prepares Many Grads for Law Careers rime Fri, 11/14/2025 - 10:59

The Changing Influence of Union Membership and Education

patenaude — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:16:45 +0000

The Changing Influence of Union Membership and Education

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

patenaude Tue, 11/11/2025 - 07:16

Professor of political science and international relations Jeffrey Koch (��/Matt Burkhartt)

Jeffrey Koch

Abstract

This research explores how changes in the educational attainment of American union members influence their partisanship, racial resentment, and support for social welfare. While the decline in union membership in American society is well-documented, the shifts in education levels among union members and the resulting effects on their political views remain largely unexamined. The importance of these changes is examined in the context of Donald Trump's populist movement. This research addresses the question of whether American union members with lower levels of education continue to identify with the Democratic Party. This research also examines whether union membership leads to reduced racial resentment and support for social welfare policies as previous research indicates it has. Political views among union members vary significantly, heavily influenced by their level of educational attainment. This empirical research tests whether union membership prevents citizens from supporting right-wing populist party movements as prior theory maintains. The findings suggest a new understanding of the role of union membership and education in American Politics.

Main research question

How have union members preferences changed as a result of their increased education.

What was already known

Union membership matters less for forming political preferences compared to education.

What the research adds to the discussion?

Helps the discipline understand contemporary American electoral politics.

Implications for Society

Demonstrates weaker power of unions.

Koch, J. W. (2025). The Changing Influence of Union Membership and Education for American Union Members’ Partisanship, Racial Resentment, and Social Welfare Preferences. Labor Studies Journal, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/0160449X251382179

Labor Studies Journal (2025)

NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack '96 to Receive AASCU Distinguished Alum Award

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NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack '96 to Receive AASCU Distinguished Alum Award patenaude Fri, 10/31/2025 - 11:01

Geneseo Launches Accelerated International Affairs Degree with UAlbany

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Geneseo Launches Accelerated International Affairs Degree with UAlbany rime Wed, 10/15/2025 - 14:36

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�� Partners with UAlbany on MPA Program

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Jeonghwa Yang, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations
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Karleen West, Professor and Chair of Political Science and International Relations
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Four Alums Win Fulbright US Student Awards

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Four Alums Win Fulbright US Student Awards rime Mon, 06/02/2025 - 14:23

Political Science and International Relations

Paving a Path Toward Peace

Geneseo Prepares Many Grads for Law Careers

The Changing Influence of Union Membership and Education

Abstract

Main research question

What was already known

What the research adds to the discussion?

Implications for Society

NYBA President & CEO Clare Cusack '96 to Receive AASCU Distinguished Alum Award

Geneseo Launches Accelerated International Affairs Degree with UAlbany

International Affairs 4+1

Sample Grad Courses

Key Grad Concentrations

International Affairs 4+1

Partnership Programs

Program Highlights

Sample Careers

Contact Info

������ Partners with UAlbany on MPA Program

MPA 4+1

Sample Courses

Popular Electives

Recent Internships

Flexible Concentrations

Possible Graduate Certifications

MPA 4+1

Partnership Programs

Program Highlights

Sample Careers

Recent Graduate Schools

Recent Employers

Contact Info

Geneseo Launches a New Academic Year

Four Alums Win Fulbright US Student Awards

�� Partners with UAlbany on MPA Program