At Braver Angels we talk a lot about “Red” and “Blue” leanings, presuming those labels have a stable ideological significance. These authors suggest that our differences have less to do with ideology, and more to do with tribal allegiance. What do you think: are our policies driven more by ideology, or by tribal loyalty?
“But the entire debate is based on a misconception. “Left” and “right” aren’t fixed and enduring philosophical belief systems. They’re merely social groups whose ideas, attitudes and issue positions constantly change. Since the meanings of “left” and “right” evolve, it makes little sense to speak of individuals, groups or parties moving “to the left” or “to the right.” Nonetheless, talk of left and right dominates our public discourse and claims about “ideological polarization” fill the political science literature. In assuming that left and right have a fixed meaning, both Mr. Musk and political scientists are sorely mistaken. Polarization is a myth.”
“…When the Democratic and Republican parties change (as they have many times), the content and meaning of their ideologies change, too, meaning that ideologues (“liberals” and “conservatives”) will change their views to stay in line with their political tribe. Social conformity, not philosophy, explains their beliefs. Those who refuse to conform and maintain their political views independent of tribe will appear to have “switched” groups—even though they stayed consistent while the ideologies changed around them.”
The Myth of Ideological Polarization
‘Left’ and ‘right’ are illusory categories. What we’re really experiencing is tribal hostility.
By Verlan Lewis and Hyrum Lewis
Wall Street Journal, June 17, 2022
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https://www.wsj.com/articles/ideological-polarization-spectrum-myth-right-left-elon-musk-woke-11655481615?st=cp1b7s4gqjh0jg3&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink
