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The Working Class Left Behind: Disempowerment and Alienation in America

Working Class Left Behind

(Part 5/10 of the series “Why voting for Kamala Harris is only the first step to saving American democracy”)

Why Does Democracy Feel So Alien to Those Who Need It the Most?

Growing up, I remember the pride my father had in the act of voting—his belief that his voice, along with millions of others, could shape the future of our country. It was a powerful notion, one that made democracy feel alive and accessible. In it, he could focus on his work: He worked in academia, but seeing himself as a “worker of the mind”. At the end of his life, however, even he, with all his abilities to link to politicians and argue with them, felt outside political life.

And this is even more true for many Americans. If they have or need to have other priorities, or if they lack the means, those who do not actively engage in political discourse feel disconnected from this sense of agency. It is a very diverse group, ranging from tech billionaires and self-made entrepreneurs over busy stay-home moms, to, most importantly, America’s working class. They feel left behind by a system that claims to represent them but fails to deliver on this promise. And even though this diverse group contains

In this post, I’ll explore why those who don’t actively engage in political discourse because they have other things to do or because they don’t have the means, feel so alienated now from the political process. It is a very diverse coalition, ranging some of the most wealthy who turn libertarian because they feel strong enough to thrive in a world without rules, to workers and moms who definitely would need social institutions protecting them but join the destructive movement because democracy feels so distant for them. How did we come that far? Again, the answer lies in the rigid, outdated structure of representation—one that fails to acknowledge the evolving nature of our society, thereby disempowering those who need a voice.

Those Left Out: Disempowered and Alienated

For much of American history, the working class was seen as the backbone of the nation. But today, the disempowerment extends beyond the traditional working class. It affects anyone who cannot afford the time, resources, or energy to engage with political processes—people busy building businesses, raising children, or simply trying to make ends meet. The current system of partitioning representation forces individuals into rigid political categories that fail to capture the complex realities of their lives. For these groups, it often means choosing between two political parties that neither fully understands nor adequately represents their concerns..

The Democratic Party may offer some policies that appeal to economic security, while the Republican Party may resonate with cultural values, but neither speaks to the full spectrum of their interests. The result is a sense of disempowerment—a feeling that no matter who they vote for, their lives will not fundamentally improve. This disillusionment is compounded by economic instability, stagnating wages, and a lack of access to quality healthcare and education. When the political system feels incapable of addressing these fundamental needs, democracy begins to feel like a distant concept rather than an empowering reality.

The Disenfranchisement of Marginalized Groups

This alienation is felt by the wide array of people described above. Despite vastly differing socioeconomic statuses, they share a common feeling of disconnection from a political system that seems indifferent to their needs. These groups often have specific, pressing concerns that are find no visible representation in the broader political discourse. The well-known systemic barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in the democratic process, from voter suppression tactics to the lack of accessible information about candidates and policies, only add to that very general problem..

In a system dominated by partitioned representation, these groups are often either ignored or reduced to political talking points. Their needs are acknowledged only to the extent that they serve to rally support for a particular candidate or party. This instrumentalization of marginalized communities further deepens their sense of alienation. When democracy is reduced to a spectacle that happens every few years, with little to no meaningful engagement in between, it becomes clear why so many people feel that the system is not meant for them.

The Role of Partitioning Representation in Alienation

Partitioning representation forces voters to make binary choices that do not reflect the full complexity of their identities. This issue is especially pronounced for those who lack the time or means to fully engage in political discourse. A tech entrepreneur might care about both economic innovation and responsible regulation; a stay-home mom might care about education reform and healthcare. However, the current system forces them to prioritize one aspect of their identity over others when choosing a party or candidate. This reductionist approach not only fails to represent the full spectrum of their interests but also exacerbates the feeling of being politically homeless. When people do not see their lived experiences reflected in the political choices available to them, they naturally disengage. And as they disengage, they become more susceptible to the simplistic, often polarizing narratives offered by populist leaders who promise to “fight for the forgotten.”

How Disempowerment Fuels Polarization

The alienation of those who lack the time or means to engage with the political process—from the working class to busy professionals—has profound implications for the health of democracy. When large segments of the population feel unheard, they are more likely to turn to alternative forms of political expression—sometimes constructive, but often destructive. Populist movements feed on this disillusionment, offering an easy scapegoat for complex problems and positioning themselves as the only true voice of the people.

This dynamic creates a fertile ground for polarization. Disempowered individuals, who feel they have no meaningful outlet for their concerns within the traditional political framework, are drawn to leaders who promise to tear down the existing structures. The sense of disillusionment and betrayal becomes a powerful force, one that populists can harness to further their agendas. This cycle not only deepens divides within society but also erodes the foundations of democratic governance.

The Way Forward: Restoring Agency to the Working Class

If we are to address this crisis of alienation and disempowerment, we need to rethink how we represent and engage all those who feel alienated from the political process—from the working class to entrepreneurs and stay-home parents—in our political systems. The traditional model of representation has proven inadequate—it is too rigid, too disconnected from the realities of modern life, and too focused on maintaining power rather than serving the people.

What we need is a new form of representation—one that is adaptive, inclusive, and capable of reflecting the diverse needs of the working class. This means moving beyond the binary choices offered by partitioning representation and creating opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes. It means providing platforms where individuals can express their views on specific issues, without having to align themselves with a party that only partially represents them.

In the next post, we will introduce the concept of *Civil Democracy*—a model designed to restore agency to individuals by allowing them to participate directly in political decisions or delegate their representation to trusted actors on an issue-by-issue basis. Civil Democracy offers a way to break out of the cycle of disempowerment and polarization, and to build a more resilient and responsive democracy that truly serves all its people.

Stay tuned as we explore how Civil Democracy can help restore trust, rebuild connections, and give a voice back to those who have been left behind.

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