Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization

61 Pages Posted: 22 Jan 2020 Last revised: 15 May 2023

See all articles by Levi Boxell

Levi Boxell

Independent

Matthew Gentzkow

Stanford University

Jesse M. Shapiro

Harvard University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: January 2020

Abstract

We measure trends in affective polarization in twelve OECD countries over the past four decades. According to our baseline estimates, the US experienced the largest increase in polarization over this period. Five countries experienced a smaller increase in polarization. Six countries experienced a decrease in polarization. We relate trends in polarization to trends in potential explanatory factors.

Suggested Citation

Boxell, Levi and Gentzkow, Matthew and Shapiro, Jesse M., Cross-Country Trends in Affective Polarization (January 2020). NBER Working Paper No. w26669, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3522318

Matthew Gentzkow

Stanford University ( email )

Jesse M. Shapiro

Harvard University - Department of Economics ( email )

Littauer Center
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

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