• Is politics becoming more partisan?

  • Sources:

    Yes, politics is becoming more partisan. Several experts discuss various facets contributing to this trend:

    1. Trust and Media Influence: Political sociologist points out a significant decline in trust towards the government and among individuals. Modern media, with its multitude of platforms, incentivizes more inflammatory rhetoric from political candidates, exacerbating divisions 1.

    2. Strong Partisan Identity: Research professor emphasizes the rise in individuals identifying as strong partisans. These partisans are increasingly reluctant to compromise and view their opponents as more extreme, fostering a growing "us versus them" mentality 2.

    3. Historical Context and Communication: Columnist explains that while political conflict is not new, the primary difference today is the proliferation of media outlets that amplify extreme voices, contributing to a more polarized environment 3.

    Overall, these insights indicate a tangible increase in political partisanship, influenced by changes in media dynamics, stronger partisan identities, and historical precedents of political conflict.

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