Healing America’s Political Polarization: Seven Research-Based Strategies

The polarization that has gripped the United States is a Source of deep concern among citizens and policymakers alike. This article explores research-backed strategies to reduce the intensity of political divisions, fostering a more unified nation.

1. Call Out Your Own Party

Amidst the current political climate, it’s essential to address the divisive nature of some actions and statements coming from within one’s own political party. According to communications research, it's more impactful for leaders to criticize their own party than to target the opposing side, as it signals what norms are acceptable to group members.

A practical example includes the stance taken by Virginia's Republican leadership, which declared that 'white supremacist garbage' would not be tolerated at their gun rally. Studies show that criticism from within a group has considerable influence on its members, making such behavior less acceptable.

2. Avoid Bad Jokes

While some may consider political humor benign, it can have a severely detrimental impact on fostering a hospitable environment. Research indicates that jokes, especially those involving dehumanization or violent rhetoric, can normalize prejudice. Even jokes that compare people to animals or insects can incite a dehumanizing effect, potentially leading to violence.

Impactful Research Findings

A collection of studies demonstrates that dehumanizing language, when used in the context of pre-existing grievances, can remove inhibitions to act violently. This is particularly concerning when the speaker is respected within their social group.

3. Make Social Media Kinder

Social media platforms play a crucial role in shaping public discourse. However, the dynamic often amplifies polarization and hate speech. Here are strategies to make social media more conducive to unity:

Remind Users of Real-World Consequences: Encourage users to think of the offline impact of their online words, reminding them that employers and targeted individuals can be affected. Create Personal Connections: Empathy can be a powerful tool. Personal or empathetic engagement with the offender can often lead to the retraction of harmful posts. Lead with Humor: Sometimes, humorous or satirical responses can effectively defuse the spread of hateful content without direct confrontation.

4. Downplay the Fringes and Highlight the Median

Americans may be more emotionally polarized than ideologically, but this doesn't mean that there isn't broad agreement on key issues. Polarization is often exacerbated by a misperception of the opposing party's views. Providing accurate information can help reduce this division:

Studies reveal that a majority of Americans agree on the basics of abortion, immigration, and gun legislation. By highlighting this consensus, it becomes easier to label those who exaggerate differences as outliers.

5. Emphasize Disagreement Within Parties

Reminding partisans that there is a range of opinions within their own party can help dial back polarization. For example, framing immigration policy as a complex issue can illustrate that it encompasses a variety of perspectives, from right-wing business owners to left-wing unions, and established immigrants to newer arrivals.

6. Promote Empathy to Reduce Prejudice

Empathy can be a powerful tool in reducing prejudice and fostering better dialogue. The Difficult Conversations Lab at Columbia University found that when people read articles that underscoreed intra-party disagreements, their conversations with people from the other party were of higher quality.

In Europe and America, research on immigration shows that stories that link immigrants to cultural issues such as cooking decrease negative attitudes, while those that connect immigrants to crime increase polarization.

7. Avoid Repetition to Debunk Misinformation

Repeating misinformation, even in efforts to debunk it, can deepen the misinformation itself. Our brains are more likely to remember the message being repeated, regardless of its truth. A better approach is to state the correct information directly.

For example, stating, 'Obama is Christian,' is more effective than repeatedly saying, 'Obama is not a Muslim.' This direct approach helps correct false information without reinforcing the falsehood.

Conclusion

The polarization we face today is not just about believing the other side is wrong; it’s about seeing opposing party members as malevolent, immoral forces. As America grapples with deep divisions over race and the role of government, these strategies can help us move towards a more unified nation.