Susan Orr

My primary research interest is in the politics of organized labor in the US. I approach this topic from both empirical and normative perspectives. I am interested in how US labor law and politics shape the formation of labor unions, as well as how labor unions influence the behavior of their members. More specifically I am concerned with how the process of forming labor unions, as well as the internal rules that regulate the behavior of union members, comport with the democratic standards we find in American political institutions. In addition to these questions, my research explores how unions, and union membership, impact political outcomes and engagement. For example, one of my projects seeks to find out what effect labor union membership has on the likelihood that citizens with various demographic characteristics will turnout to vote. This research agenda is driven in part by my concern with democratic participation and civic engagement more broadly. On that note, I am currently beginning to delve into new research projects on citizenship and civic engagement especially as that relates to how classroom and campus experiences promote active citizenship among students.