Polarization is the Psychological Foundation of Collective Engagement

Laura G. E. Smith, Emma F. Thomas, Ana-Maria Bliuc, Craig McGarty

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Abstract

The term polarization is used to describe both the division of a society into opposing groups (political polarization), and a social psychological phenomenon (group polarization) whereby people adopt more extreme positions after discussion. We explain how group polarization underpins the political polarization phenomenon: Social interaction, for example through social media, enables groups to form in such a way that their beliefs about what should be done to change the world – and how this differs from the stance of other groups - become integrated as aspects of a new, shared social identity. This provides a basis for mobilization to collective action.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages13
JournalCommunications Psychology
Volume2
Issue number1
Early online date6 May 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 6 May 2024

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