Affective polarization and qualitative methods

This chapter explores the potential of using qualitative methods to study affective polarization. While questions of how best to measure affective polarization are receiving increasing attention, qualitative approaches have remained largely absent from the literature. Drawing on existing qualitative studies on affective polarization, as well as examples of seminal qualitative work in the broader field of public opinion research, this chapter argues that qualitative approaches could contribute to the study of affective polarization in at least three ways: Firstly, qualitative methods could be used to refine quantitative measures of affective polarization, for instance by enhancing construct and ecological validity. Secondly, qualitative studies can explore and further elucidate the concept of affective polarization, offering in-depth accounts of the meaning and interrelations of different constituent components of affective polarization. Thirdly, qualitative approaches can broaden our perspective on affective polarization, generating insights into the wider phenomenon, adopting a context-sensitive account and taking a more critical, reflexive stance. The chapter concludes by discussing potential limitations and outlining some practical ways to leverage the potential of complementing quantitative work on affective polarization with qualitative approaches.