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How did face masks become a partisan symbol?

And other questions you didn’t learn in school

Join us for Dr. Jennifer N. Victor's virtual lecture, "How did face masks become a partisan symbol?, and other questions you didn’t learn in school."

Dr. Victor draws on political science findings about political parties, partisan identity, human psychology, and media to help explain everyday political events in the context of political science. The lecture begins with a summary of cutting edge social science results that help explain the current state of affairs in American politics. Then she applies these findings to specific events, such as: how did wearing a face mask to protect against coronavirus become a political statement?

The event allows for audience members to pose their own questions about politics and current events and ask Dr. Victor to provide social science context “on the spot.” Discussions are aimed at being non-partisan, scientifically informed, and focused on explanation over advocacy of any kind.

Jennifer Nicoll Victor is Associate Professor of Political Science at George Mason University’s Schar School Policy and Government. She studies the U.S. Congress, legislative organization and behavior, social network methods, political parties, campaign finance, and interest groups and lobbying. Her current book project explores the conditions for bipartisan cooperation among members of Congress. She is the co-editor of the Oxford Handbook of Political Networks (2017). She is the co-author (with Nils Ringe) of Bridging the Information Gap: Legislative Member Organizations in the United States and the European Union (U. Michigan Press 2013).

Professor Victor has published research in the American Journal of Political Science, the British Journal of Political Science, American Politics Research, Party Politics, Interest Groups & Advocacy, P.S.: Political Science and Politics, and elsewhere. She was awarded the George Mason University Teaching Excellence Award in 2019. She is a co-founding contributor to the political science blog “Mischiefs of Faction,”, and has written for the New York Times, Time Magazine, Politico, Gen by Medium, The Conversation, OUP Blog, LSE US Politics blog. She serves on the Board of Directors of the non-partisan, non-profit Center for Responsive Politics, and is a past-president of the National Capital Area Political Science Association.

This program will take place by Zoom. Registration is required. After registering, you will be e-mailed the link to join this Zoom meeting. A Zoom account is not required, but a microphone is required if you want to participate in the interactive portion of this program. 

If you have questions about the program or need help with set up, please reach out to Caroline at cpak@alexlibraryva.org.