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Affective polarization in Latin America: A research note

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 December 2024

Marcelo Bergman Open the ORCID record for Marcelo Bergman [Opens in a new window]  and
Pablo Fernández Open the ORCID record for Pablo Fernández [Opens in a new window]
Marcelo Bergman*
Affiliation:
Marcelo Bergman is a professor at the Universidad Tres de Febrero, Argentina
Pablo Fernández
Affiliation:
Pablo Fernández is a master’s student at the Universidad de San Andrés, Argentina. Argentina
*
Corresponding author:Marcelo Bergman; Email: mbergman@untref.edu.ar
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Abstract

Affective polarization (AP), a concept that summarizes intense partisans’ animosity towards opposing parties and positive feelings towards their own, has recently received increasing attention. Despite a growing interest in Latin American polarization, there are very few empirical studies on the range and depth of dislike and distrust towards political adversaries in the region, and how this impacts the quality of democracies. This research note uses survey data collected after ten election cycles in six countries to estimate the scope and depth of AP in the region. We measure the extent of polarization in Latin America compared to other Western nations, assess its evolution, and makes some inroads to explain who drives AP. On aggregate, Latin America does not show large AP scores, yet there are clear signs of an upward trend. More than a widespread social phenomenon, the evidence suggests that AP is driven by large intense minorities.

Keywords

affective polarizationidentity politicsdistrustLatin America
Type
Research Notes
Information
Latin American Politics and Society , Volume 67 , Issue 1 , February 2025 , pp. 114 - 132
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of University of Miami

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