Ideological Conflict and Polarization A Social Psychological Perspective

Social psychologists, among others, have long sought to understand and resolve conflicts between groups along cultural, ethnic, religious, or linguistic lines (Bar-Tal, Raviv, Raviv, & Dgani-Hirsh, 2009; Brewer & Miller, 1996; Brown, 2000; Deutsch, Coleman, & Marcus, 2006; Gaertner & Dovidio, 2000; Lewin, 1948; Prentice & Miller, 1999; Ross & Ward, 1995; Stephan & Stephan, 2001; Tajfel, 1982; Worchel, 1999). They have not, however, done much to analyze, let alone prevent, conflict along left-right (or liberal-conservative) ideological lines. There are probably several reasons for this, including relatively widespread skepticism among social and behavioral scientists about whether ordinary citizens are really motivated by ideological concerns (for a historical review see Jost, 2006). Furthermore, those researchers who have assumed that ideology is an important force in social and political life may have viewed ideological conflict as either necessary or desirable.