In person icon Affective Polarization: The Meaning of Group (Dis)like

Abstract

Affective polarization has become a cornerstone of political research, a central theme in political discourse, and Merriam-Webster's word of the year for 2024. Yet, as this concept gains importance, calls have emerged for a more nuanced understanding that moves beyond an oversimplified notion of symmetrical intergroup hostility. Central to this effort is the need to better understand the meaning and construction of antagonistic political groups and their relationships with each other. Qualitative approaches, though still rare, offer unique insights into the dimensions shaping group (dis)like, allowing researchers to broaden and refine the concept. Amongst others, they highlight the constructed and situated nature of group identities and emotions. On the one hand, these constructions are deeply rooted in historical, socio-political contexts that warrant further study. On the other, the processes through which these identities are interactionally and relationally shaped and solidified deserve closer scrutiny. This entails examining the micro-foundations of affective polarization that underpin the construction of group identities, emotions and (dis)like, for example, by studying interpersonal political conversations or lived experiences of political conflict. Furthermore, the symmetry of affective polarization is increasingly questioned. This challenges the notion that in-group and out-group dynamics are merely two sides of the same coin, prompting researchers to explore alternative frameworks that account for asymmetries in group perceptions and relations. This panel invites papers that engage with these themes, including but not limited to: - Historical and political context of group identities in affective polarization. - The interactional/relational processes underlying in-group and out-group constructions and related emotional dynamics. - Micro-foundations of affective polarization. - Asymmetries in in-group and out-group relations and their implications. - Methodological innovations in qualitative research on affective polarization.

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