US Polarization: Not As Divided
University of Michigan experts reveal people seem less polarized when asked about ordinary Americans, not politicians
A new review by University of Michigan experts suggests that the level of political polarization in the US depends on how researchers ask the question and that the answer may be more nuanced than previously thought. For nearly 15 years, scholars have measured the emotional distance between Democrats and Republicans, known as affective polarization.
The analysis highlights the importance of considering who Americans are thinking about and the political circumstances surrounding the question when measuring polarization. People seem more polarized when they assume they are being asked about politicians in the other party, but less polarized when asked about ordinary people in the other party.
Polarization statistics often exclude people who identify as independent and have no leaning toward either party. Additionally, imbalances in political power in government could shape polarization, with people disliking the opposing party more when that party has more power.
The data on which party is more polarized are inconclusive and inconsistent. Yanna Krupnikov, a professor of communication and media at the University of Michigan, and John Barry Ryan, an associate professor of political science and communication, are part of the team that conducted the review.
## Why it matters The review's findings have significant implications for understanding the state of political polarization in the US. By considering the nuances of how researchers ask questions and who Americans are thinking about, a more accurate picture of polarization can be obtained. This, in turn, can inform strategies to address polarization and promote greater understanding between different groups.
The stakes are high, as political polarization can have far-reaching consequences for governance, social cohesion, and the overall health of democracy. By moving beyond simplistic measures of polarization, researchers can provide a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors at play and help to identify potential solutions to this pressing issue.
