Affective polarization in US politics has surged, driven by core value differences rather than issues or partisanship.
Findings:
- Core value extremity significantly fuels disdain for the out-party and its candidates.
- This effect holds independent of issue attitude extremity or partisan/ideological identification strength.
Data & Methods:
- Analysis of ANES data spanning 1988-2016 reveals this connection in cross-sectional studies.
- Panel data from 1992-1996 demonstrates that past value extremity predicts future increased polarization.
Why It Matters:
These results highlight core values as a fundamental driver of political division.
