Working Paper: NBER ID: w26669
Authors: Levi Boxell; Matthew Gentzkow; Jesse M. Shapiro
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.
Keywords: Affective Polarization; OECD Countries; Political Polarization
JEL Codes: D72
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| US increase in affective polarization (I24) | affective polarization (F52) |
| nonwhite share of population (J15) | affective polarization (F52) |
| elite polarization (D72) | affective polarization (F52) |
| economic inequality (D31) | affective polarization (F52) |
| openness to trade (F10) | affective polarization (F52) |
| share of foreign-born individuals (J11) | affective polarization (F52) |