How Group Meta-Perceptions Shape Political Party Evolution

By: Stone Neilon

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Political science has documented the extent of (mis)perceptions among partisans, and the sub
sequent effect of these (mis)perceptions on political behavior. However, relatively little work has
examined the extent of group meta-perceptions (GMP)–defined as beliefs about how others perceive
one’s group– and their role in shaping partisan behavior. In this paper, I argue partisans hold
various GMPs and internalize characterizations from out-partisans (and Independents), altering the
perceptions of their own party and influencing their strategic preferences and affective orientations,
providing a novel explanation to issue evolution within the parties. To investigate these dynam
ics, I field an exploratory student survey asking respondents what they believe are the three most
important problems (MIP) and how they believe out-partisans would characterize them on those
same questions. I use this to inform a future experimental survey, where I expose partisans to how
out-partisans (and Independents) perceive and characterize their own party. Respondents are then
assessed on levels of affect, willingness to engage in cross-partisan discussion, and beliefs about party strategy