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The Impact of Social Norms on Cohesion and (De)Polarization

Author

Listed:
  • Miranda J. Lubbers

    (Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain)

  • Marcin Bukowski

    (Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Poland)

  • Oliver Christ

    (Faculty of Psychology, FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany)

  • Eva Jaspers

    (Department of Sociology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands)

  • Maarten van Zalk

    (Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Osnabrück, Germany)

Abstract

In recent years, political and social polarization has increased across many societies, evolving from mere issue‐based disagreements into affective polarization, in which citizens dislike and distrust members of opposing groups. This trend undermines social cohesion and the effective functioning of democratic institutions. Despite extensive interdisciplinary research into polarization, the role of social norms—shared expectations about typical and appropriate behavior—in mitigating such divisions remains underexamined. This thematic issue seeks to address this gap by investigating how social norms shape intergroup dynamics in polarized contexts. To frame the contributions, this introductory article first outlines the concepts of polarization and social norms and then briefly reviews the literature on the role of norms in polarization and depolarization. Subsequently, we introduce the contributions included in this thematic issue, which explore four central themes: (a) the role of social norms in fostering tolerance and depolarization; (b) the association between norm deviations and non‐normative behaviors and political polarization; (c) the negotiation versus contestation of social norms by competing groups; and (d) the influence of social networks on intergroup attitudes and behaviors that can facilitate depolarization processes. We conclude with reflections on future research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Miranda J. Lubbers & Marcin Bukowski & Oliver Christ & Eva Jaspers & Maarten van Zalk, 2025. "The Impact of Social Norms on Cohesion and (De)Polarization," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v13:y:2025:a:10984
    DOI: 10.17645/si.10984
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dominika Gurbisz & Anna Potoczek & Marcin Bukowski & Lucía Estevan-Reina & Oliver Christ, 2025. "Mind the Gap! Linking Equality‐Based Respect Norms with General and Specific Tolerance," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 13.
    2. Hobolt, Sara B. & Leeper, Thomas J. & Tilley, James, 2021. "Divided by the Vote: Affective Polarization in the Wake of the Brexit Referendum," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 51(4), pages 1476-1493, October.
    3. Gidron, Noam & Adams, James & Horne, Will, 2023. "Who Dislikes Whom? Affective Polarization between Pairs of Parties in Western Democracies," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 53(3), pages 997-1015, July.
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