Welcome to the Polarization Models module! This module explores how groups form opposing viewpoints, how moderate positions erode, and how social identities become divided. We’ll examine the mechanisms that drive political, social, and ideological polarization using computational modeling approaches.
Overview¶
Polarization models help us understand one of the most pressing challenges of contemporary society: how and why groups become increasingly divided in their beliefs, values, and behaviors. Through agent-based modeling, we’ll explore opinion dynamics, the role of social networks, media influence, and institutional factors that contribute to societal polarization and potential interventions.
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)¶
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
- Articulate limiting assumptions or limitations to the conclusions that can be drawn from the use of these methods and identify appropriate and inappropriate uses of such methods, as informed by a Reformed, Christian perspective.
- Provide students with a sense of the nature and limits of scientific knowledge and the kinds of ethical questions that surround scientific research and its dissemination (revisited in the context of polarization, ethics, and justice).
- Define different types of polarization (ideological, affective, social sorting)
- Explain mechanisms that drive opinion polarization and group formation
- Analyze the role of social networks, media, and algorithms in polarization
- Understand the relationship between polarization and democratic governance
- Implement opinion dynamics models (voter model, Hegselmann-Krause, etc.)
- Model the effects of network structure on opinion formation
- Simulate media influence and algorithmic filtering on belief systems
- Analyze polarization metrics and measurement approaches
- Evaluate competing explanations for political and social polarization
- Assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce polarization
- Critique the assumptions and limitations of polarization models
- Connect polarization theory to contemporary political and social challenges
- Present complex polarization dynamics to diverse audiences
- Discuss the implications of polarization research for democratic society
- Articulate the tension between diversity and social cohesion
- Engage constructively with politically sensitive topics and research
📚 Slides and Readings¶
Required Readings¶
Core Reading Materials
Hegselmann, R., & Krause, U. (2002). Opinion dynamics and bounded confidence models, analysis, and simulation. Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation, 5(3).
- 📖 PDF Download
- 🎯 Focus on: Bounded confidence and opinion clustering
Sunstein, C. R. (2001). Echo chambers: Bush v. Gore, impeachment, and beyond. Princeton University Press. (Selected chapters)
- 📖 PDF Download
- 🎯 Focus on: Group polarization and deliberative democracy
Bail, C. A., et al. (2018). Exposure to opposing views on social media can increase political polarization. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(37), 9216-9221.
- 📖 PDF Download
- 🎯 Focus on: Empirical evidence of social media polarization effects
Mason, L. (2015). “I disrespectfully agree”: The differential effects of partisan sorting on social and issue polarization. American Journal of Political Science, 59(1), 128-145.
- 📖 PDF Download
- 🎯 Focus on: Distinction between issue and affective polarization
📝 Homework¶
🌟 Extra Materials¶
Historical Context¶
The Study of Polarization
Early Foundations:
- Sherif, M. (1936). The psychology of social norms. Harper & Brothers.
- Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgments. Journal of Social Psychology, 33(2), 181-195.
- Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.
Political Science Perspectives:
- Downs, A. (1957). An economic theory of democracy. Harper & Row.
- Converse, P. E. (1964). The nature of belief systems in mass publics. Critical Review, 18(1-3), 1-74.
- Fiorina, M. P., & Abrams, S. J. (2008). Political polarization in the American public. Annual Review of Political Science, 11, 563-588.
Computational Approaches:
- Axelrod, R. (1997). The dissemination of culture: A model with local convergence and global polarization. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 41(2), 203-226.
- Deffuant, G., et al. (2000). Mixing beliefs among interacting agents. Advances in Complex Systems, 3(01n04), 87-98.
Real-World Applications¶
Understanding Contemporary Polarization
Political Polarization:
- Congressional voting patterns and partisan sorting
- Public opinion on policy issues over time
- Electoral competition and geographic polarization
- Media consumption and selective exposure
Social Media and Technology:
- Algorithmic filtering and recommendation systems
- Online echo chambers and information bubbles
- Misinformation spread and fact-checking effectiveness
- Platform design and user behavior
Cultural and Social Issues:
- Science communication and public understanding
- Religious and cultural value conflicts
- Immigration attitudes and intergroup contact
- Climate change and environmental policy
Discussion Questions:
- Is political polarization necessarily harmful to democracy?
- How do social media algorithms contribute to polarization?
- What role should platforms play in moderating content?
- Can exposure to opposing views actually increase polarization?
Current Research:
- Computational social science approaches to polarization measurement
- Cross-cultural studies of opinion dynamics
- Intervention design and evaluation
- Long-term trends in social and political division