Polarización afectiva: implicaciones para el análisis político

Abstract

This study examines the effects of affective polarization on social cohesion and democratic stability. Affective polarization is defined as the escalation of unfavorable sentiments against the opposing political group. Three main themes are examined using an integrative approach based on empirical research in the U.S., Israel, Portugal and Denmark: the legitimacy of partisan violence, the perception of leadership in political crises, and the impact of racial attitudes on voter turnout. The research uses qualitative and quantitative methods, such as media content analysis, controlled experiments, and longitudinal surveys. The results demonstrate how partisan differences influence how people view leadership, especially during emergencies such as the COVID-19 epidemic, and how political affiliation influences preventive measures. In addition, it was found that animus against the opposing group can justify partisan violence, especially when democratic means are thought to be ineffective. Other findings include the predominance of negative voting as an electoral tactic in polarized elections and the asymmetric effect of conservative racial sentiments on electoral mobilization. To mitigate the consequences of polarization, this study recommends improving intergroup communication and regulating media narratives. It also underscores the need for more research examining these issues in many international contexts.