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Chapter 7 - Polarization

from Part IV - Examining Societal Discontent

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 October 2023

Kees van den Bos
Affiliation:
Utrecht University
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Summary

Chapter 7 examines the detrimental effects that polarization between different groups can have on individuals, groups, communities, and societies. The book thereby contrasts itself with positive perspectives on polarization and conflict in society. One important aspect that may start important instances of group polarization is how to respond to dissenting opinions, and the affective and defensive responses dissenters may trigger. Fairness concerns come with an important dark side. For example, people may go to great lengths to protect their views that they live in fair and just societies and that their group and culture are involved in what is morally right. Indeed, desperately wanting to be involved in what is morally pure can strengthen important aspects of group polarization in our modern society. This is especially the case when groups have clear group boundaries, involve some form of (authoritative or moral) direct leadership, and when group members think their tribe is fighting for a worthy moral cause. Thinking of individuals as members of other groups in abstract terms facilitates enemy thinking between different groups. People tend to adhere more to fairness principles when they act out of their own individual responsibilities than when they feel responsible to defend their group interests.

Type
Chapter
Information
The Fair Process Effect
Overcoming Distrust, Polarization, and Conspiracy Thinking
, pp. 80 - 88
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Polarization
  • Kees van den Bos, Utrecht University
  • Book: The Fair Process Effect
  • Online publication: 26 October 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009218979.012
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  • Polarization
  • Kees van den Bos, Utrecht University
  • Book: The Fair Process Effect
  • Online publication: 26 October 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009218979.012
Available formats
×

Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • Polarization
  • Kees van den Bos, Utrecht University
  • Book: The Fair Process Effect
  • Online publication: 26 October 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009218979.012
Available formats
×