Affective Polarization in Comparative and Longitudinal Perspective

Area of Science:

• Political Science
• Comparative Politics
• Public Opinion Research

Background:

• Affective polarization, characterized by increasing animosity between partisan groups, is a growing concern in many democracies.
• Existing research presents mixed findings on the trends of affective polarization, with some studies indicating intensification, others stability, and some decline.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide the most comprehensive comparative and longitudinal analysis of affective polarization to date.
• To examine trends in partisan affect across eighteen democracies over the past six decades.
• To assess affective polarization using two distinct measurement approaches.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a newly assembled dataset tracking partisan affect across eighteen democracies over six decades.
• Employed Reiljan's Affective Polarization Index, focusing on self-reported partisans.
• Applied Wagner's weighted distance measure, considering the entire electorate's party preferences.

Main Results:

• Affective polarization shows an intensifying trend in some countries, but this pattern is not universal across established democracies.
• Analysis of partisans confirms that while intensification is observed in certain nations, it is not a generalized phenomenon.
• Longitudinal data reveals a significant increase in affective polarization among the US electorate over time.

Conclusions:

• Affective polarization trends are diverse across democracies, challenging assumptions of a uniform increase.
• The US exhibits a distinct pattern of growing affective polarization within its electorate.
• Comparative, longitudinal research is crucial for understanding the nuances of affective polarization globally.