Polarization Analysis
Democratic societies are immersed in a growing process of politicization. Political mobilization around highly divisive issues has led to questions about the fundamental pillars of our political systems and the polarization of our societies.
Antagonistic ideological projects are currently generating a growing confrontation in societies that see new gaps appear due to identity, socio-economic disparities, migration, the rejection of traditional political institutions or territorial integration.
Polarization, in so far as the existence of opposing positions regarding debate topics, is not harmful to society. But beyond the confrontation of ideas typical of a democratic system, there is a phenomenon that is increasing in many established democracies and is pernicious in many ways. It is toxic polarization, a dynamic in which positions different from one’s own are belittled and delegitimized: “others” are seen as “enemies”, and there is no place for dialogue, debate and constructive confrontation of ideas.
Dealing with toxic polarization is a challenge that confronts us both individually and collectively. It affects our coexistence, cohesion, and democratic culture. We all have a role to play in addressing toxic polarization. It deteriorates political and social debates, generates political disaffection, and can lead to political violence, which is increasingly present in our societies.
Risks of toxic polarization: how to deal with it
We are often unaware of the extent to which our everyday actions contribute to fostering toxic polarization. According to the ICIP surveys on coexistence and polarization, the idea that “others polarize” is widespread in Catalan society, especially in the media and social networks.
ICIP has created the animated audiovisual “Risks of toxic polarization: how to deal with it“. This resource is specifically designed to raise awareness of our role in promoting toxic polarization and to provide practical strategies for reducing its impact.
The video, made with Intuitivo Films, warns about this harmful dynamic and exposes some tools we can use to avoid it.
Publications
Project Polaritzamaton
“Polaritzamaton” is a pilot project developed by ICIP in collaboration with the Provençan Institute of Professional Training to raise awareness about the degree of toxic polarization in each of us. The way to do it was to confront the person with questions that first place them in the primary debates that divide our society today (left/right; climate change, immigration, feminism, etc.)
In the second part, the project guides individuals through a series of statements and/or experiments that allow them to self-assess their level of toxic polarization. This process of self-discovery and personal growth is a vital aspect of the project, and each person receives a result that makes them aware of their degree of toxic polarization.
This project received the first prize for teaching excellence in the third edition of the Impuls FP awards for the Barcelona region.
Sessions of analysis and reflection
ICIP, in collaboration with the CIDOB, the Club of Rome, and the Fundación Cultura de Paz, organized a cycle of conferences on “Polarization and dialogue in democratic societies” in 2020.
The cycle addressed the division around Brexit, Trump, or Salvini, and the situation in Catalonia, with growing political and social polarization from the pro-independence process.