The “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) ideology, popularized by Donald Trump, embodies a blend of conservatism and fundamentalism that appeals to a significant segment of the U.S. population. Through the lenses of social constructionist and intersectional theories, we can better understand how this ideology emerged and why it is ultimately counterproductive for fostering an equitable and inclusive society.
Social Constructionist Theory: The Roots of MAGA
Social constructionist theory posits that much of what we consider “reality” is shaped by shared cultural narratives and social agreements. MAGA’s slogan itself invokes a socially constructed vision of a past America that is idealized, unified, and prosperous—a time that never existed in the way it is imagined. This nostalgic appeal relies on the selective elevation of certain historical elements while ignoring or minimizing others, such as systemic racism, gender inequality, and economic disparity.
From a social constructionist perspective, MAGA represents:
- The Idealization of a Homogeneous Past: MAGA rhetoric often portrays a simpler time in which traditional roles (gender, racial, and class-based) were strictly adhered to. This narrative erases the struggles and contributions of marginalized communities, such as the Civil Rights Movement and women’s fight for workplace equality, while glorifying structures that benefited a narrow segment of society.
- The Construction of “Us vs. Them”: The ideology defines “us” as those who align with traditional, predominantly white, Christian, and middle-class American values. “Them” becomes anyone perceived as an outsider, including immigrants, racial minorities, and progressives, constructing social and political divisions that fuel polarization.
Intersectional Theory: Understanding MAGA’s Appeal
Intersectionality, as coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, examines how overlapping systems of oppression and privilege interact. MAGA’s ideology resonates with groups who perceive their social identities (e.g., white, male, rural, Christian) as under threat due to shifts in cultural and political power.
- The Intersection of Privilege and Precarity: Many MAGA supporters occupy positions of relative privilege (e.g., white or male) but feel precarious due to economic stagnation or cultural shifts. Intersectionality explains how this combination of privilege and perceived marginalization creates a sense of grievance and fuels a desire to “restore” their status.
- Exclusionary Identity Politics: Intersectional theory highlights how MAGA reinforces power structures that favor dominant identities. By centering on these identities, the movement marginalizes those who exist at the intersections of race, gender, class, and other identities, perpetuating systemic inequities.
- The “Weaponization” of Oppression Narratives: While intersectionality seeks to illuminate oppression, MAGA flips this dynamic by framing dominant groups (e.g., white Christians) as the victims of societal progress, further entrenching resistance to inclusive policies.
Why MAGA Is Counterproductive
While MAGA appeals to a desire for stability and identity preservation, it is inherently counterproductive for several reasons:
- Perpetuating Inequities: By idealizing a past that excluded many from full participation in society, MAGA policies often reinforce systems of oppression rather than dismantle them. For example, efforts to curtail immigration or rollback affirmative action policies disproportionately harm marginalized communities while benefiting dominant groups.
- Rejecting Complexity: Fundamentalism and conservatism—both hallmarks of MAGA—rely on binary thinking. This worldview simplifies complex social and economic issues into “right vs. wrong” or “us vs. them,” leaving little room for nuanced dialogue or innovative solutions.
- Undermining Social Cohesion: By fostering division and exclusion, MAGA erodes the very unity it purports to champion. The “us vs. them” framework polarizes communities and stifles collective progress by creating mistrust and animosity.
- Ignoring Intersectional Realities: MAGA’s approach fails to address the interconnected nature of oppression and privilege. By centering on dominant identities, it neglects the lived experiences of those at the margins, exacerbating systemic injustices.
- Economic Stagnation: Many MAGA policies prioritize protectionism and nostalgia over innovation and adaptability, hindering the country’s ability to compete in an increasingly globalized economy.
A Path Forward: Moving Beyond MAGA
To counter the counterproductive elements of MAGA, leaders and communities must:
- Foster Inclusive Narratives: Replace nostalgic, exclusionary visions of the past with forward-looking narratives that celebrate diversity and inclusion as strengths.
- Encourage Intersectional Understanding: Promote policies and dialogues that recognize the complexity of overlapping identities and prioritize equity for all groups.
- Embrace Complexity: Move beyond binary thinking by adopting approaches that acknowledge and address the multifaceted nature of social and economic challenges.
- Cultivate Shared Goals: Focus on common aspirations, such as economic security, education, and healthcare, to bridge divides and foster collaboration across identities.
Conclusion
Using social constructionist and intersectional theories, we can see how the “Make America Great Again” ideology arises from fundamentalism and conservatism. While it offers psychological comfort to those seeking stability and identity preservation, it ultimately perpetuates systemic inequities, polarizes society, and hinders progress. By embracing inclusive narratives and intersectional understanding, we can move toward a more equitable and united future—one that honors the richness of our collective experiences rather than idealizing a selective and exclusionary past.