An inquiry into the dimensions, transmission channels, and applications of affective polarisation
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Affective polarisation is a socio-political phenomenon which depicts out-partisans as enemies while \nsimultaneously strengthening bonds between partisans and increasing devotion towards leaders. Based \non ad hominem arguments, affective polarisation fuels hate and confrontation towards those who feel, \nthink, and live differently at social and/or institutional levels. This dissertation aims to offer a new and \nupdated theoretical framework that can be useful in the study of animosity. On one hand, we focus on the \nindividual dimension of affective polarisation, which relates to the voters’ idiosyncrasies and their level of \npolitical engagement. On the other hand, the institutional dimension refers to the atomisation of the \npolitical spectrum, thereby leading to a situation in which animosity is used as a weapon in the electoral \nrace to attract votes. Also, we interprete how animosity is fuelled online by delving into the transmission \nchannels of affective polarisation on social media. Lastly, the aforementioned analytical framework is \napplied in a double sense: on one hand, based on available data, the individual and institutional \ndimensions of affective polarisation are implemented to the Spanish reality, complementing the existing \nanalyses with the calculation of political fragmentation indices. On the other hand, due to the inexistence \nof a theoretical framework which relates animosity and public leadership, we have reflected on revanchist \nleadership and, based on the spirit of the 2030 Agenda, have outlined a roadmap for a new way of \nexercising power based on consensus.
Author: Romero Martín, Gonzalo
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6982578921