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Conformity, polarization, and democratic dialogue in times of pathogen threats. Germany and the United States during Covid-19

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  • Björn TOELSTEDE

    (Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden)

Abstract

Conformity and polarization are two reactions to pathogen threats like the Covid-19 pandemic. This article discusses the dilemma between protecting public health as well as preserving the democratic dialogue and constitutional rights. I compare two countries which reacted very differently to the pandemic. While Germany was marked by high social conformity levels, in the United States political polarization was predominant. The analysis focuses on the time between March and November 2020. I show, first, the differences and interactions between conformity and polarization. Second, societies seem to be more aware and concerned about polarization than about conformity. Third, I show that both reactions, high conformity and polarization levels, are detrimental for the democratic dialogue and constitutional rights.

Suggested Citation

  • Björn TOELSTEDE, 2022. "Conformity, polarization, and democratic dialogue in times of pathogen threats. Germany and the United States during Covid-19," Eastern Journal of European Studies, Centre for European Studies, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, vol. 13, pages 263-291, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:jes:journl:y:2022:v:13:p:263-291
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.47743/ejes-2022-0213
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cobo-Reyes, Ramón & Katz, Gabriel & Meraglia, Simone, 2019. "Endogenous sanctioning institutions and migration patterns: Experimental evidence," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 158(C), pages 575-606.
    2. Roland G FryerJr & Philipp Harms & Matthew O Jackson, 2019. "Updating Beliefs when Evidence is Open to Interpretation: Implications for Bias and Polarization," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 17(5), pages 1470-1501.
    3. Mehdi Shadmehr & Ethan Bueno de Mesquita, 2020. "Coordination and Social Distancing: Inertia in the Aggregate Response to COVID-19," Working Papers 2020-53, Becker Friedman Institute for Research In Economics.
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