"What drives student politics at the American university? And why do so many students—on both sides of the political aisle—seem to shout past each other? Amy Binder and Jeff Kidder have produced a fresh set of answers. Whether you sit on the left or the right—or somewhere in between—you should read this smart book. It might change where you stand."

Jonathan Zimmerman, author of The Amateur Hour: A History of College Teaching in America

“This book provides a thought-provoking analysis of how the culture and organization of American universities contributes to the political polarization that rocks campuses. Deeply researched, this beautifully written book tracks the social and material resources that shape student politics. Readers are unlikely to agree with everything in The Channels of Student Activism—but that seems to be precisely the point.”

Laura Hamilton, author of Paying for the Party: How College Maintains Inequality

"[This] book provides valuable insights into how US campus political clubs operate. . . . The authors’ examination of inside and outside influences is a beneficial framework for future student politics scholarship. The book would be useful to educational leaders, student affairs professionals, higher education researchers, political scientists, and student activists looking to understand campus politics."

Educational Review

"The Channels of Student Activism offers a superb analysis of college student politics and the forces that shape their activism, and is a must-read for anyone interested in social movements or contemporary college cultures. . . The authors present a wide-ranging engagement with research literature as well as relevant news sources and organizational archival materials."

Social Forces

"Overall, The Channels of Student Activism is a valuable and insightful resource for anyone interested in student cultures, campus life, or collegiate activism, and a definite must-read for researchers working at the intersection of higher education, cultural, and political sociology. With their outside-in/inside-out approach, Binder and Kidder provide a useful framework to make sense of seemingly contradictory developments in student activism and offer an empirically nuanced contribution to current debates around political polarization, free speech, and identity politics. As the book is very well written and assumes no prior knowledge, it is also accessible to those who wish to better understand the political dynamics on college campuses and the impact thereof on the cultural divisions in contemporary societies, both in the United States and beyond."

Higher Education

"Examining the perspectives and political identities of individual student activists on each side of the political spectrum, Binder and Kidder are able not only to observe general trends that distinguish them from one another but also to
elucidate nuances that speak to the variability within each camp. This bifocal lens is a particular strength of their book."

Mobilization

"A rare study of conservative and progressive politically engaged students at four state universities. . . This is an important critique of political power on a polarized battleground."

Choice