The norms and emotions behind affective polarization

Abstract

Political polarization has become a widespread phenomenon in recent years, both in the United States and in other parts of the world. This division is not just based on differing political ideologies, but also on emotional and affective responses to political issues. The emotional and affective polarization that characterizes politics today has led to an increase in political hostility and a decrease in political tolerance. This panel aims to explore the norms and emotions that drive political affective polarization. One of the key factors behind political affective polarization is the way in which individuals engage with politics. People increasingly identify with their political beliefs as a core part of their identity, leading to a sense of tribalism and us-versus-them mentality. This tribalism is reinforced by the echo chambers created by social media and the news media, where individuals seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, rather than challenging them. The norms that have emerged within these echo chambers create a hostile environment for those with differing beliefs, leading to a breakdown in civil discourse. Emotions also play a significant role in political polarization. The emotions of anger, fear, and disgust are often mobilized to galvanize individuals around a particular issue or candidate. This emotional mobilization creates a sense of urgency and importance around political issues, leading individuals to feel that they must take a stance and defend their beliefs. This emotional investment can be difficult to overcome, leading to entrenched beliefs and a lack of willingness to engage in compromise or negotiation. The impact of political affective polarization is significant. It can lead to a breakdown in social cohesion, increased political gridlock, and even violence. Addressing the norms and emotions that drive political polarization is essential for creating a more civil and productive political discourse. This panel will bring together papers exploring the norms and emotions behind political affective polarization, with the goal of identifying potential solutions and strategies for promoting civil discourse and reducing political polarization.

Title	Details
Let's (not) Disagree: How Tolerance for Disagreement shapes Affective Polarizaton	View Paper Details
Affective polarization, (mis)perceived polarization and negative meta-perceptions	View Paper Details
Affective polarization from a citizens’ perspective: beyond party lines and feelings of dislike	View Paper Details
An eye for an eye: Affective polarization and its effects on support for reciprocal democratic norm-breaking	View Paper Details