Research Conducted by Anastasiya Ghosh Recently Featured in the New York Times

Research conducted by Anastasiya Ghosh, Susan and Philip Hagenah Endowed Faculty Fellow and associate dean of partnerships in the Eller College of Management, was highlighted in a New York Times article examining the growing role of campaign merchandise in modern elections, specifically launch of a new online campaign store. 

The shop, which offers satirical and symbolic merchandise, quickly generated attention for its mix of humor and fundraising.

“They’re not designed to necessarily rally supporters internally, but more to signal to the opposite party, in a fashion language, that we are the opposite of you, using your own conspicuous signals,” Ghosh sates in the article.

Ghosh’s research on political slacktivism explores how buying campaign merchandise or displaying symbolic support can sometimes reduce more meaningful political engagement, such as voting or volunteering. 

Her work suggests that while merchandise can create a sense of identity and belonging, it may also give individuals the feeling that they have already “done enough” simply by showing visible support.