Work

Social intolerance as a product of political identities: evidence from a conjoint experiment in five countries

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Do group identities rooted in salient social and political characteristics foster homophily and social distance? If so, which identities shape social preferences more strongly, and under what conditions? While existing literature on affective polarization and inter-group relations privileges particular social and political identities, we know less about the dynamics that unfold when multiple identities are considered simultaneously. Using conjoint experiments in five multiparty systems (Argentina, Chile, Italy, Portugal, and Spain), we find that political identities are generally more influential than social ones among individuals with partisan affinities. This is especially true among left-wing individuals, who display greater social distance to radical right supporters. Our findings suggest that social distance is rooted in political attachments, which may channel salient social divisions.

Source: Political Science Research and Methods

DOI: 10.1017/psrm.2026.10144

Authors: Mariano Torcal, Josep Maria Comellas, Alina Vrânceanu

Institutions: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

Language: English

Topic: Electoral Systems and Political Participation

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,550