The Psyche That Unites Americans Is Deeper Than the Politics Dividing Us

Political polarization has become a fixture of American society. While stoking outrage and division may benefit certain media outlets and political agendas, it obstructs our ability to thrive as individuals and come together as a nation to make progress on the big challenges of our time.

When Americans are asked to use one word to describe politics in the U.S. these days, the most common response is “divisive.” Healthy political debate is important. It fosters a marketplace of ideas, which is needed for personal, cultural, and economic growth.

But, in a society that is extremely politically polarized, the marketplace of ideas stops properly functioning. People privilege tribal loyalty over open-minded discussion, toleration, and compromise. Such polarization undermines social trust, and social trust supports democratic stability, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Polarization may also be a contributing factor of America’s growing mental health problem, which carries significant societal costs, including reduced work productivity and economic growth.

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