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(I Think) I Don't Think Like You and I Don't Like You: Perception of Polarization and Out-Group Animosity

Author

Listed:
  • Chonnakan Rittinon
  • Boontida Sa-ngimnet
  • Suparit Suwanik
  • Tanisa Tawichsri
  • Thiti Tosborvorn

Abstract

Polarization deteriorates social trust and hinders economic development. Interestingly, it has been previously shown that one of the factors driving polarization is the mere perception of polarization. Using data from an original survey done in Thailand in 2021 (N = 2,016), this paper provides an empirical evidence that people with extreme political identity and those who consume media from outlets similar to their political peers tend to exaggerate the degree of polarization in the society. We also show that those exaggerations increase negative feelings toward members of the opposite group.

Suggested Citation

  • Chonnakan Rittinon & Boontida Sa-ngimnet & Suparit Suwanik & Tanisa Tawichsri & Thiti Tosborvorn, 2022. "(I Think) I Don't Think Like You and I Don't Like You: Perception of Polarization and Out-Group Animosity," PIER Discussion Papers 194, Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:pui:dpaper:194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Armaly, Miles T. & Enders, Adam M., 2021. "The role of affective orientations in promoting perceived polarization," Political Science Research and Methods, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(3), pages 615-626, July.
    6. Lilliana Mason, 2015. "“I Disrespectfully Agree”: The Differential Effects of Partisan Sorting on Social and Issue Polarization," American Journal of Political Science, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 59(1), pages 128-145, January.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Perceived polarization; Out-group animosity; Media bias; Echo chamber;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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