Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
When Democrats and Republicans Share a Pew: Out-Party Exposure and Affective Polarization
Publication Date
2024
College
Sciences and Mathematics, College of
Department
Psychological Science, Department of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Dr. Adam Smiley
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
More contact with and proximity to out-partisans predicts lower affective polarization (Smiley & Kaiser, 2023). Might Democrats and Republicans sharing a church pew reduce polarization as well? Two studies using 2016 and 2020 ANES data explores the relationship between denomination-level political heterogeneity and affective polarization. Our analyses find that church attendance and exposure to out-partisans at church are linked to decreased affective polarization (controlling for religious and political beliefs), highlighting the importance of bipartisan contact.
Recommended Citation
Avery, Caroline, "When Democrats and Republicans Share a Pew: Out-Party Exposure and Affective Polarization" (2024). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 487.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/487