Extreme justifications fuel polarization

Christiane Buschinger (), Markus Eyting (), Florian Hett () and Judd Kessler ()
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Christiane Buschinger: Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany
Markus Eyting: Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany
Florian Hett: Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany
Judd Kessler: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA

No 2602, Working Papers from Gutenberg School of Management and Economics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz

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 supporter 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.

Keywords: political polarization; peer effects; justifications; outgroup discrimination; social norms (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C9 D01 D9 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 17 pages
Date: 2025-02, Revised 2025-11
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