The last few years have seen quite evident political divisions emerge across society, but research from the University of St Andrews nonetheless provides evidence to show just how wide the divide is becoming.
The researchers believe that the rise of populist movements and politicians has helped to grow the rift between opposing political parties.
Inequality at the heart
The researchers argue that many of the social issues that underlie these populist movements could be effectively tackled by reducing the social inequalities that are rampant in western societies. If these efforts could be coupled with more joined-up messaging from all mainstream political actors, it could help to reduce some of the divisions that are emerging.
“We know that people have been becoming more politically polarized over time, for example in the US, but we don’t know exactly why political identity is becoming so important,” the authors explain.
“We found that if there is animosity or conflict between other types of identity group, such as different racial groups, people will tend to shift their political identities over time to match up with their racial identity, leading to political polarization.
“This happens because it reduces conflict within a party. Factors such as inequality, which lead to greater animosity between identity groups, can trigger this process.”
Changing attitudes
The researchers developed mathematical and computational models to examine how our political attitudes have changed over time, and especially in response to the growth in inequality. They argue that they can provide valuable insights when aligned with the rise of various populist political parties, which typically position themselves as opposed to the traditional elites.
“We found in the US for example that racial polarization expressed by voters has declined while political polarization between Republicans and Democrats has increased, and political parties have become increasingly sorted along racial lines,” the authors explain. “This suggests that antagonism between racial groups has shifted to become associated with political identities over time.”
Optimistically, the authors hope that politicians will attempt to reduce the inequality that drives polarization via wealth redistribution initiatives. Of course, when some politicians seem to greatly benefit from the polarization such inequalities cause, this doesn’t seem all that likely.
“To reverse polarization you must first remove the conditions that helped create it (i.e., reduce inequality) and then engage in ‘coordinated efforts’ to change attitudes e.g., signaling by political elites in the form of bipartisan cooperation or improved rhetoric about the ‘other side,” the researchers conclude.
