The NPR Politics Podcast What If We Don't Need To 'Fix' Polarization?
Mar 20, 2021
Lilliana Mason, an Associate Professor of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland and author of 'Uncivil Agreement,' joins to tackle America’s political polarization. She discusses how group identities ramp up animosity between Democrats and Republicans and the historical roots of these divides. Mason delves into the impact of the 2020 election on racial polarization, and she proposes national service as a potential remedy, highlighting the importance of collaboration in fostering understanding across diverse communities.
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Eagles and Rattlers Experiment
- In 1954, two groups of similar fifth-grade boys were separated and formed groups.
- Competition led to escalating hostility, highlighting how easily group identities create conflict.
Social Identity and Politics
- Political polarization intensifies when social identities align with party lines.
- Over time, parties have become more socially distinct, exacerbating inter-party conflict.
Loss of Cross-Cutting Identities
- Cross-cutting identities, where individuals share group memberships across party lines, help humanize opposing groups.
- Losing these connections makes it easier to view political opponents as enemies.
