Episode #6: Polarization Series #2 of 4: How does Polarization occur?

Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole

How does polarization play out in societies, countries, and different periods?

• What need(s) does it meet? dissent, to belong, safety in groups, belief systems, right vs wrong, fear, misinformation
• Social Theories - Democracy vs Fascism/Autocracies
• Examples: First Amendment, Campus protests about Gaza/Israel, Historical Protests such as the Civil War, etc.)

Group Polarization: Theories and Examples

https://www.verywellmind.com/group-polarization-theories-and-examples-7547335
Group polarization is a psychological phenomenon in where beliefs, attitudes, and decisions in groups are more amplified and extreme than those held by individual group members. Group polarization happens when a choice shift intensifies that initial attitude. Adopting the views of the group helps people feel positive about themselves. They may feel compelled to shift their ideas to identify with the group to achieve a sense of belonging.
Understanding these factors is crucial for mitigating polarization and promoting more constructive and inclusive dialogues within societies.
"Do I contradict myself?
Very well then, I contradict myself,
I am large, I contain multitudes…"
—Walt Whitman

Increased Polarization
https://news.vanderbilt.edu/2024/02/14/latest-vanderbilt-unity-index-shows-the-u-s-continuing-its-trend-toward-increased-political-polarization/

Historically, polarization often starts with a combination of social, economic, political, and cultural changes that challenge existing structures and identities. When groups form around particular beliefs in opposition, polarization can become entrenched, influencing everything from personal relationships to international politics.

Examples in Other Cultures & Times

Democracies encourage free speech. We mention the First Amendment, the campus protests, and democracies vs autocracies. Some examples of different times include the French Revolution, Tianon Square, and how the American Revolution against the British.

Protests in the US: the Women's Suffrage movement, campus protests about Vietnam including Kent State. Currently: Black Lives Matter and protests around women's rights.
Affective Polarization

https://www.brown.edu/news/2020-01-21/polarization

A phenomenon in which citizens feel more negatively toward other political parties than toward their own. In the U.S., affective polarization has increased more dramatically since the late 1970s than in the eight other countries they examined — the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden.
Polarization: Navigating the Divides in Today’s Society

https://lambdageeks.com/polarization/

Polarization can lead to increased hostility and a breakdown of communication between different groups. It can result in the formation of echo chambers and misinformation. Understanding polarization is crucial for promoting dialogue, empathy, and finding common ground.
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Unity can empower societies to achieve collective goals and face common threats while polarization can lead to significant strife and conflict, but also to societal change by highlighting critical issues that need addressing.

Ideally, a healthy society balances a degree of both elements. Encouraging diversity of opinion (mild polarization)