Anti-pluralist attitudes and social cleavages in comparative perspective I

Abstract

Social cleavages are often exploited and become sources of political and affective polarisation. Ideology, nationality, language, religion, socio-economic status, and gender identity are some of the social divides that serve to articulate "othering" discourses. Populist and authoritarian politicians instrumentalise social problems and prejudices to create a sense of collective indignation. These grievances help them unite and mobilise certain segments of the population against an "other," that is usually depicted as abusive or as a threat to the community. This attempt to exclude or disempower specific social groups and minorities clashes with modern conceptions of pluralist democracy. The aggressive discourses and performances targeting some segments of the population not only reflect an anti-pluralist stance by politicians and pundits, but also relies upon (and fosters) similarly anti-pluralist attitudes among the public. Social crises and the exposure to illiberal framing strategies can accelerate the mainstreaming and aggravation of anti-pluralist views among voters. This panel invites contributions that seek to explain the factors leading to the spread of anti-pluralist attitudes in society and the social and political consequences of such processes. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are welcome submissions. Likewise we are interested in the analysis of other psycho-social and political beliefs and values that may be related to these attitudes and to the popularity of exclusionary policy proposals.

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