Trump supporters have been portrayed as victims of globalization and the decline of US manufacturing, stuck in low-paid jobs offering little in the way of job security or earning potential. Angry and desperate, the story goes, they flocked to that champion of the scorned and neglected, Donald J. Trump, who would kick out the corrupt elites, restore hope, heal pride, and make America great again.
This narrative rests on the assumption that economic woes go a long way to explaining Trump’s support. Let’s test that assumption.
Compare this map:
…with this map:
It looks to me that much of Trump Country – the dark red areas – has been enjoying low unemployment rates in the recent past. Thus, whatever the economic woes afflicting Trump supporters, trouble finding work doesn’t appear to have been a significant factor in their decision to vote for the man.
Next: job security, work satisfaction, and inequality in Trump Country.