Conformity, polarization, and democratic dialogue in times of pathogen threats. Germany and the United States during Covid-19

Björn Toelstede ()
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Björn Toelstede: Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

Eastern Journal of European Studies, 2022, vol. 13(2), 263-291

Abstract: Conformity and polarization are two reactions to pathogen threats like the Covid-19 pandemic. This article discusses the dilemma between protecting public health as well as preserving the democratic dialogue and constitutional rights. I compare two countries which reacted very differently to the pandemic. While Germany was marked by high social conformity levels, in the United States political polarization was predominant. The analysis focuses on the time between March and November 2020. I show, first, the differences and interactions between conformity and polarization. Second, societies seem to be more aware and concerned about polarization than about conformity. Third, I show that both reactions, high conformity and polarization levels, are detrimental for the democratic dialogue and constitutional rights.

Keywords: conformity; polarization; pathogen threat; Covid-19; democratic dialogue; constitutional rights (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jes:journl:y:2022:v:13:p:263-291

DOI: 10.47743/ejes-2022-0213

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