Exploring the interplay between identity and attitudes is at the heart of my research agenda. I examine how attitudes about gender influence political beliefs, engagement, and attitudes through experimental and interpretive approaches. My dissertation looks at these under-explored dynamics of gender in American politics by exploring conceptions of "toxic masculinity" in contemporary society.
In addition, I engage in research concerning electoral politics. I have published and continue to work on research spanning a variety of topics in electoral politics from changing party system dynamics during the Civil War era, to the voting patterns of religious Americans. At present, I am engaged in projects relating to the impact of information treatments on voter turnout and choice, the attitudinal effects of different types of scandals throughout campaigns, and the effects of gender stereotypes on candidate favorability.
My research significantly informs my teaching approach. I apply the knowledge and insights gained from my research projects to enhance the quality of my teaching. I'm committed to not only employing rigorous and innovative methods in my research but also imparting these methods to my students through substantive courses and collaborative research experiences.
PUBLICATIONS:
Jensen, Alexander, Madeline Mader, Srinivas C. Parinandi, Anand E. Sokhey, and Michael Byrd. 2023. “Federal Slavery Legislation and Voting in U.S. Gubernatorial Elections, 1840-1860.” Journal of Historical Political Economy 3(2): 161-178.
Gilbert, Christopher P., Joseph M. Cella, and Alexander L. Jensen. 2017. “Minnesota: The Resurgence of Evangelical Political Strength in 2016.” in God at the Grassroots 2016: The Christian Right in American Politics. eds. Mark Rozell and Clyde Wilcox. Lanham: Rowman and Littlefield.
IN PREPARATION FOR SUBMISSION:
“American Public Opinion on ‘Toxic Masculinity’"
"A New Term for an Old Concept? The Political Nature of 'Toxic' Masculinity" (with Zoe Moss)
"The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend: Threat Perception, Crime, and Support for U.S. Military Bases Abroad" (with Myunghee Lee and Charmaine Willis)
"COVID-19, Attributions of Blame, and Support for Casualty Mitigation Policies" (with Thomas Dolan, Kelsey Larsen, and Kenecia Wright)
"Smiling, Family Women? Depictions of Female Candidates and Their Effects on Public Opinion” (with Claire McGovern '27 and Alexandra Hanson '27, Skidmore undergraduates)
"A New Term for an Old Concept? The Political Nature of 'Toxic' Masculinity" (with Zoe Moss)
"Understanding Public Reactions to Political Scandals: Results from a Series of Experiments" (with Anand E. Sokhey)
"Intolerant Partisans: The Effect of Affective Polarization on Partisan Political Tolerance" (with Courtney Nava, Anand E. Sokhey, and Paul Djupe)