Political scientists refer to morality policies as those which require moral judgments that are influenced by deeply held worldviews. While preferences for morality policies are shaped by worldviews, worldviews can in turn respond to the policy environment, sometimes resulting in denial of a problem that needs to be addressed. This paper develops a theory of how collective choice institutions influence the formation of preferences over morality policies. The model predicts that collective choice, especially with anonymous voting rules, such as simple majority, generally amplifies denial, inhibiting policy action. Collective choice also generates polarization of worldviews if and only if action is implemented.
Co-author: Renee Bowen (Georgetown University)
