Shared Values May Mitigate Political Polarization, Cornell Study Suggests
New economics research from Cornell University indicates that engaging with political opponents who share fundamental values may help temper extreme viewpoints. While such interactions might not alter one's core opinions on controversial subjects, they could contribute to a reduction in overall political polarization, according to the study's findings.
New economics research from Cornell University suggests that engaging with political opponents who share fundamental values could potentially moderate extreme viewpoints and reduce political polarization. This finding comes despite the fact that such interactions might not necessarily lead to a change in one's core opinions on contentious subjects.
The research indicates that when individuals listen to those with whom they disagree on controversial topics, but who still align on basic values, it may not alter their personal convictions. However, the study points to the possibility that this type of dialogue could mitigate the intensity of an extreme stance.
This moderation, in turn, is hypothesized to contribute to a decrease in overall political polarization.
According to Phys.org, these insights are based on new Cornell economics research.
