A Note on the Affective Polarization Literature

Abstract

Affective polarization, or outparty animus, has been studied extensively in recent years, as this animosity is said to have grave negative political and non-political consequences. This note offers two critiques of the affective polarization literature. First, it argues that, despite claims that affective polarization has negative consequences, to date the evidence to support these claims is weak. Second, it argues that some measures used to tap affective polarization might in fact tap wariness of outpartisans instead. Addressing these critiques in future studies will improve the study of affective polarization and its impact.

Keywords: Affective polarization, critique, causal effects, measurement