logo

Strangers in Their Own Land

Arlie Russell Hochschild

Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American Right

Arlie Russell Hochschild

  • 47-page comprehensive Study Guide
  • Chapter-by-chapter summaries and multiple sections of expert analysis
  • Featured in our CommunityPolitics & GovernmentClass collections
  • The ultimate resource for assignments, engaging lessons, and lively book discussions

Strangers in Their Own Land Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Deep Story and the People In It”

Part 3, Chapter 9 Summary: “The Deep Story”

This chapter further explores the concept of the deep story. Deep stories are stories that speak to individual or group emotions that allow people on opposite sides of the political spectrum to understand one another. She cites as an example foreign political leaders who make an effort to understand other nations’ deep stories to relate to their leaders and their citizens more effectively. In her case, she tries to better understand the Tea Party through an examination of its deep story. As she understands it, the Tea Party’s deep story is this: A hypothetical individual wants to access the American dream. They “follow the rules.” They work hard, endure difficulties, and some are even exposed to toxic chemicals by the industries that employ them. They are, effectively, waiting “in line” to access the success that the American Dream promises them. Then, they see, “cutting” in line, a series of people who have not worked hard and are instead the recipients of government handouts. This list includes women, people of color, immigrants, refugees, and even endangered species. This perception of unfairness becomes a source of anger and resentment. The government, they think, is helping these individuals to cut the line.

blurred text

Unlock this
Study Guide!

Join SuperSummary to gain instant access to all 47 pages of this Study Guide and thousands of other learning resources.
Get Started
blurred text