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A Framework on Polarization, Cognitive Inflexibility, and Rigid Cognitive Specialization.

James Shyan-Tau Wu1, Christoph Hauert2,3, Claire Kremen1,3,4

  • 1Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

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|April 11, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Sociopolitical polarization increases cognitive inflexibility, a trait that may be an evolutionary adaptation. This cognitive inflexibility can lead to rigid specialization, potentially increasing long-term societal conflict.

Keywords:
belief updatingcognitive inflexibilityconflict mindsetdepolarizationsocial cohesion

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Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Evolutionary Psychology

Background:

  • Sociopolitical polarization is a widespread phenomenon.
  • Polarization is linked to decreased cognitive flexibility, impacting belief updating and thought switching.
  • A feedback loop exists where polarization enhances cognitive inflexibility, and vice versa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose that the polarization-cognitive inflexibility feedback loop is an evolutionary threat response.
  • To explore how this loop, driven by conflict mindset, conformity, and information simplification, benefits group cohesion and individual fitness.
  • To reframe cognitive inflexibility not as maladaptive, but as a potential adaptation in polarized environments, leading to rigid cognitive specialization.

Main Methods:

  • Theoretical analysis of the interplay between polarization and cognitive processes.
  • Examination of evolutionary pressures favoring group cohesion and threat response.
  • Conceptualization of cognitive inflexibility as a mechanism for rigid cognitive specialization within polarized social groups.

Main Results:

  • The feedback loop between polarization and cognitive inflexibility can be understood as an adaptive threat response.
  • This adaptive response facilitates strong in-group bonds and enhances individual fitness in ancestral environments.
  • Cognitive inflexibility, in polarized societies, may foster "rigid cognitive specialization," improving within-group efficiency.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive inflexibility may be an adaptive trait in highly polarized societies, promoting efficient functioning within social groups.
  • Rigid cognitive specialization, while beneficial short-term, could exacerbate intergroup conflict in the long run.
  • Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between cognitive inflexibility and rigid cognitive specialization in polarized contexts.