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Polarization, antipathy, and political activism

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  • Jiabin Wu
  • Hanzhe Zhang

Abstract

We present an evolutionary game theory model in which polarization, antipathy, and political activism are simultaneous consequences of the evolution of individuals' ideologies and their attitudes toward other ideologies. We show that the evolutionary process is likely to result in a vicious path with individuals becoming increasingly extreme and polarized on the ideological spectrum and the society ending up with two politically engaged groups sharing no common grounds and strong hatred against each other.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiabin Wu & Hanzhe Zhang, 2022. "Polarization, antipathy, and political activism," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 60(3), pages 1005-1017, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ecinqu:v:60:y:2022:i:3:p:1005-1017
    DOI: 10.1111/ecin.13072
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C73 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Stochastic and Dynamic Games; Evolutionary Games
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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