A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, revealed that both Republicans and Democrats view individuals with opposing political views as less morally upright than those within their own party. This perception persisted even when the individuals from the opposing party acted fairly or kindly towards them. The study also found that this harsh moral judgment was not limited to individuals with strong political biases, as even those who identified as moderately conservative or liberal exhibited the same tendency.
To investigate whether acts of kindness could counteract partisan animosity, the researchers conducted an experiment using the Ultimatum Game, a tool used to study fairness in cooperation. Participants had no information about the person they were playing with except for their party affiliation and how they played the game. Surprisingly, even after being treated fairly or kindly, participants still rated political opponents as less moral. This finding suggests that political polarization is not limited to extreme conservatives or liberals but is a bipartisan phenomenon.
The study sheds light on the increasing political polarization in the United States, which has been intensifying over the past four decades. Previously, individuals with different political views were able to cooperate and maintain friendships. However, as political attitudes align more closely with moral convictions, partisans now view each other as immoral. This raises concerns about the potential for political polarization based on moral convictions to lead to political violence.
The researchers believe that a scientific approach can help mitigate political polarization. They are currently running experiments to explore how online interactions, such as social media, can contribute to psychological distance between partisans. They are also investigating how emotions like disgust play a role in partisan animosity and how the evolutionary origins of morality may influence political polarization. By understanding these factors, the researchers hope to find ways to reduce political polarization and its potential negative consequences.
Overall, the study highlights the profound impact of political polarization in the United States and the need for further research to address and mitigate this issue.
