Ideologically Motivated Disrespect Drives Polarization

Kjell Brekke () and Karine Nyborg ()
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Kjell Brekke: University of Oslo
Karine Nyborg: University of Oslo

No 18956, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: We show that ideologically motivated disrespect triggers social processes helping individuals protect their self-image and social image, causing ideological and affective polarization as by-products. If even small shares of the population are less respected by one side of the ideological spectrum than the other, ideological views are polarized in equilibrium for almost everyone, including those equally respected by all. Although everyone socializes only with the like-minded in equilibrium, homophily is not assumed but emerges endogenously. The sets of characteristics disrespected by each side determine segregation and polarization patterns, while the degree of polarization depends strongly on exposure to non-peers’ views.

Keywords: affective and ideological polarization; image preferences; reluctant social learning; social migration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D72 D91 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-09
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