Scientists Found a Way To Ease Political Hostility—Except in the US
Summary
Researchers from the University of Bergen tested a way to reduce political hostility in nine democratic countries. The method worked in eight countries but did not reduce political animosity in the United States.Key Facts
- Political polarization means people and parties hold more extreme views and dislike the opposing side.
- Affective polarization refers to dislike or hatred between political opponents, not just differences in opinion.
- The study was conducted in Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the US.
- Participants rated their feelings for their own party and the opposing party to measure polarization.
- One third of participants were asked to find common ground with political opponents to reduce hostility.
- This approach lowered polarization scores significantly in all countries except the US.
- Researchers suggest political animosity in the US is deeply rooted and harder to change.
- Reduced polarization in other countries was linked to more willingness to support democratic values and compromise.
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