Political Mobilization in Times of Growing Polarization

Abstract

In recent years, polarization has been on the rise in many regions of the world, both in terms of growing socio-economic inequalities as well as deepening political divides. Prominent examples of the latter include the recent clashes about climate change and migration inside and outside of parliament. Growing polarization has wide-ranging effects for society and politics, including possible challenges for social cohesion and democracy. What are the consequences for political mobilization both in terms of potentials and challenges? The panel explores how growing polarization affects mobilization dynamics and how protests and political engagement in turn may influence polarization. Does growing polarization foster specific kinds of activism, for example with regard to framing, repertoires or organizational structures? How do effects of socio-economic and political polarization differ or interact in shaping mobilization? Does polarization have a demobilizing effect? How does polarization affect alliances in mobilization? Under which conditions does political mobilization have an impact on overall polarization and how does this influence play out? Addressing these questions, the panel aims to advance our understanding of the interaction between mobilization and polarization across different forms of activism and political engagement.

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