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McCarthyism, Media, and Political Repression: Evidence from Hollywood

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Listed:
  • Hui Ren Tan
  • Tianyi Wang

Abstract

We study a far-reaching episode of demagoguery in American history. From the late 1940s to 1950s, anti-communist hysteria led by Senator Joseph McCarthy and others gripped the nation. Hundreds of professionals in Hollywood were accused of having ties with the communist. We show that these accusations were not random, targeting those with dissenting views. Actors and screenwriters who were accused suffered a setback in their careers. Beyond the accused, we find that the anti-communist crusade also had a chilling effect on film content, as non-accused filmmakers avoided progressive topics. The decline in progressive films, in turn, made society more conservative.

Suggested Citation

  • Hui Ren Tan & Tianyi Wang, 2024. "McCarthyism, Media, and Political Repression: Evidence from Hollywood," NBER Working Papers 32682, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:32682
    Note: DAE POL
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • N32 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-
    • N42 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - U.S.; Canada: 1913-

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