Affective Polarization

About

Affective polarization is at the crossroad of political science and political psychology. In a broad sense it studies why and in which ways citizens develop hostility towards those who have different political stances and view. Although affective polarization largely focuses on the interplay between actors such as parties and voters, it can also develop across issues that cut through party lines (e.g. measures taken to contain Covid and Brexit). The study of affective polarization primarily engages with voters’ attitudes in connection with their political (and partisan) identity. This view of political as social identity, along with an expressive connotation, is at the heart of the phenomenon, and it is a common feature that underlying its conceptual and empirical study.    

Aims & Objectives

The main aim of the Research Network on Affective Polarization is to facilitate cooperation and new initiatives among scholars working on this topic. This aim will be realized by disseminating information on current research and relevant upcoming events, sponsoring, and coordinating Panel, Section and Workshop proposals for members who wish to submit them to international conferences, and disseminate research and teaching material relevant for scholars researching this topic. 

This group also aims at facilitating exchange scholarly and hands-on information on events, calls, grants opportunities, initiatives, consortia and publications.