Associations between inclusivity norms and tolerance, contact, and cooperation amid polarization: Evidence from 12 European countries
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Sharp disagreements about social issues have raised concerns about increasing societal polarization in democracies worldwide. While diversity of opinion is vital for democratic engagement and can promote innovative solutions, social science research shows that such disagreements can undermine social cohesion and erode social trust if they turn into identity-based conflicts. The present research examines the potential importance of social norms that promote equality-based respect, dialogue, and unity (inclusivity norms) in mitigating these negative outcomes. In a preregistered, large-scale survey of 12,041 individuals in 12 European countries, we find that perceived inclusivity norms are associated with increased tolerance, greater willingness to collaborate, and lower tendencies to avoid people who hold opposing opinions. In most countries studied, this pattern holds among respondents who strongly disapprove of the opposing viewpoint, endorse antipluralist opinions, hold anti-egalitarian preferences, and identify more strongly with their opinion-based group relative to society. These findings support the potential of inclusivity norms to preserve social trust and cohesion amid opinion diversity.
Source: PNAS Nexus
Authors: Laura F Schäfer, Nicole Tausch, Marcin Bukowski, Eva Jaspers, Miranda J Lubbers, Maarten van Zalk, Alejandro Ciordia, Anna Potoczek, Lucía Estevan-Reina, Maor Shani, Jan-Willem Simons, Maria-Therese Friehs, Dominika Gurbisz, Wilma Middendorf, Sarina J Schäfer, Jil Ullenboom, Sylvie Graf, Mikael Hjerm, Chloé Lavest, Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti, Anna Kende, Katerina Petkanopoulou, Francesca Prati, Oliver Christ
Institutions: FernUniversität in Hagen, University of St Andrews, Jagiellonian University, Utrecht University, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Osnabrück University, Maastricht University, Interdisciplinary Centre for Mathematical and Computational Modelling, University of Warsaw, University of Warsaw, Universidad de Granada, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Psychology, Umeå University, University of Helsinki, Eötvös Loránd University, University of Crete, University of Bologna
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $4,202
Funders: Volkswagen Foundation, H2020 Society
Award: G6774911806
OpenAlex ID: W7140711746