Fact Check: Political polarization in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent decades.

Fact Check: "Political polarization in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent decades."

What We Know

Political polarization in the United States has indeed increased significantly over the past few decades. A study co-authored by Jesse Shapiro from Brown University, alongside Stanford University economists, reveals that affective polarization—where individuals feel more negatively toward opposing political parties—has escalated dramatically since the late 1970s. The research indicates that the average American rated members of their own political party 27 points higher than those of the opposing party in 1978, which increased to 45.9 points by 2016, marking an average rise of 4.8 points per decade (Brown University). This trend is not only notable in the U.S. but also when compared to other democracies, where polarization has either increased at a slower rate or even decreased (Brown University).

The study attributes this increase in polarization to several factors, including increased racial division, the rise of partisan cable news, and changes in the ideological composition of the two major political parties (Brown University). For instance, Republicans have become more aligned with religious identities, while Democrats have leaned toward secularism, leading to greater ideological homogeneity within each party (Brown University).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of increased political polarization in the U.S. is robust and comes from a credible source. The study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research is a comprehensive analysis based on four decades of public opinion surveys across multiple countries, which adds a comparative dimension to the findings (Brown University). The methodology, which includes the use of a "feeling thermometer" to gauge attitudes, is a well-established technique in political science research.

Moreover, the study's conclusions are corroborated by other research indicating that polarization has deep historical roots in American politics, as noted by the Pew Research Center, which highlights that the current state of polarization is the result of long-term trends (Pew Research). This consistency across different studies enhances the reliability of the findings.

However, it is important to note that while the study identifies several causes of polarization, it also suggests that the rise of the internet may not be a significant factor, as similar increases in internet usage in other countries did not correlate with rising polarization (Brown University). This nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to polarization is essential for a comprehensive view of the issue.

Conclusion

The claim that "political polarization in the U.S. has increased significantly in recent decades" is True. The evidence from multiple studies, including the recent research from Brown University, clearly demonstrates a marked increase in affective polarization among Americans since the late 1970s. The data shows that this trend is exceptional compared to other democracies, and the identified causes provide a clear context for understanding this phenomenon.

Sources

1. U.S. is polarizing faster than other democracies, study finds
2. PDF Affective Polarization in the American Public
3. Political polarization in the United States - Wikipedia
4. The polarization in today's Congress has roots that go back decades ...
5. Polarization, Democracy, and Political Violence in the United States ...