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Extreme justifications fuel polarization

Author

Listed:
  • Buschinger, Christiane
  • Eyting, Markus
  • Hett, Florian
  • Kessler, Judd B.

Abstract

How does polarization - as measured by mistreatment of political rivals - spread? In an online experiment, participants choose between splitting financial resources equally or discriminating against a member of the opposing political party. We vary the information subjects receive about others' choices and justifications for discrimination. Exposure to extreme justifications for discrimination increases discrimination - particularly in a polarized environment, when many others are already discriminating - and it leads participants to adopt more extreme justifications themselves. Our findings suggest a self-reinforcing dynamic that may fuel polarization: Exposure to extreme statements increases polarization and the prevalence of extreme reasoning.

Suggested Citation

  • Buschinger, Christiane & Eyting, Markus & Hett, Florian & Kessler, Judd B., 2025. "Extreme justifications fuel polarization," SAFE Working Paper Series 449, Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:safewp:320434
    DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5278740
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    political polarization; peer effects; justifications; outgroup discrimination; social norms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C9 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics

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