Polarization

The American public and its elected representatives often seem paralyzed by ideological polarization and legislative gridlock. One of the great conundrums of the era remains how, in effect, to de-polarize the electorate. At the individual level, what techniques might best work to moderate positions?

Social issues — and the associated “culture war” in America — continue to play prominent roles in politics. There is an ingrained notion of a static political standoff: To many, the country seems split into two camps that have stubbornly dug in on issues. But survey data suggests that public support for some social issues has fluctuated significantly over recent history.

Written by Kimberly Meltzer, Georgetown University

From the Scholars Strategy Network, written by Debra Javeline, University of Notre Dame.

From the Scholars Strategy Network, written by Colleen M. Grogan, University of Chicago.