Political polarization
The phenomenon of political polarization extends far beyond mere disagreement over policy; it represents a fundamental fracturing of social reality where political affiliation becomes a master identity, structuring how individuals perceive themselves, interact with others, and process information. In societies characterized by deep, often affective polarization—where animosity toward the opposing side surpasses enthusiasm for one’s own—the construction and negotiation of political identity is transformed from a rational choice into an act of profound social and psychological self-defense. This essay explores the mechanisms through which individuals construct and solidify their political identities in such an environment, examining the central roles of social identity theory, motivated cognition, identity entrepreneurship, and the digital information ecosystem in creating the seemingly unbridgeable chasms of modern political life. I. The Psychological Foundation: Social Identity as Poli...
