Diana Mutz - CGIS South S354

Note: We will be in CGIS South S354, not our usual room.

Title: Affective Polarization and the Implosion of the Public Sphere

Abstract: In this presentation I will discuss findings from a book in progress on how the extent of exposure to cross-cutting political views has changed over time in the United States. I examine cross-cutting exposure from multiple sources including political discussion networks, media and voluntary associations. Given strong popular assumptions about the role of polarization in how American politics has changed, many expect these two phenomena to be linked. My preliminary findings suggest that contrary to these assumptions, affective polarization does not necessarily suppress Americans’ level of engagement with those of differing views. Further, Americans’ self-reported reluctance to talk about politics bears no relation to how much they actually engage in political discussion. I consider the implications of our tendency to blame American citizens for the state of the public sphere and why solutions to this problem are unlikely to come from talking more about politics.