Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)

Discerning the Origins of Polarisation

Publication Date

Spring 2024

College

University College

Department

Political Science, Department of

BURS Faculty Advisor

Nathan Griffith

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Abstract

Does political Polarization cause people to be less open to building connections with others or maintaining connections if the other person is in a different political party? Some scholars argue that the need to motivate voters leads political actors to demonize the other party, and this demonization damages or prevents interpersonal relationships. Other scholars emphasize a more systematic process, one in which competitiveness and rivalry produces resentment and devaluation of the other party (and its adherents) when they are in power. One-sided college athletic rivalries may provide a unique opportunity to distinguish between these explanations; students at both institutions will hear about the rivalry from their school, but only one side will be likely to have developed resentment at the other winning. I propose to survey students from two rival campuses. If demonization of the other party is the cause, students will be equally likely across the schools to have connections with each other. If resentment is the cause, students at the school on the losing end of the rivalry should be less willing to make connections with students at the other school.

Comments

I currently do not have the full text available as of yet as I am still waiting on a few IRB boards to allow me to conduct the research for the project. as soon as I do complete the paper it shall be submitted. Oh also I was unable to find where i was to submit the Copyright distribution Agreement, and thus submitted it where the paper was asked for, My apologies if such causes complications, however there seemingly was no other place to add such as the "Additional Files" box did not allow additional files to be added.

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