The Impact of Affective Polarization and the Erosion of the Social Contract: A Youth-Centric Perspective

The relationship between affective polarization and the social contract is grounded in the principle that respect, mutual trust and shared norms are vital for societal cohesion and democratic governance. Affective polarization undermines this foundation by amplifying "us versus them" dynamics, fostering hostility, and reinforcing hierarchical divisions through othering. Othering, a process rooted in social identity theory, manifests as the perception of outgroups as inferior and morally distant, which exacerbates distrust and alienation. This situation undermines the social contract in several ways: first, by reducing trust between individuals and institutions, which weakens the social fabric and the legitimacy of democratic processes; second, by changing the perception of politics into a win-lose game, which diminishes the willingness to compromise; third, by undermining collaboration and collective action through the demonization of opponents; fourth, by transforming the public sphere into a constant arena of political conflict, leading to further polarization and the formation and reformation of echo chambers. Last but not least, the decline of democratic norms and political gridlock contributes to the erosion of the political system and its institutions. This study adopts a multi-faceted approach to explore the impact of affective polarization on the social contract among Turkish youth. Using a nationally representative survey of 2,400 individuals, we evaluate levels of social and institutional trust, affective polarization, and adherence to democratic norms. By conceptualizing affective polarization as a form of othering, we highlight its three core pillars: increased social distance, moral superiority of the in-group, and political intolerance of the out-group. These dynamics not only weaken social cohesion but also threaten the moral equality necessary for democratic deliberation and co-existence. Our findings, contextualized within international datasets such as the Eurobarometer and the World Values Survey, reveal the role of identity politics, elite rhetoric, and social media in deepening affective polarization. These factors amplify the moral and emotional divides between partisan groups, fostering dehumanization and undermining democratic principles. By addressing these issues through interventions like fostering shared identities and correcting misperceptions, we propose pathways to mitigate polarization and restore the social contract within this pivotal demographic. The paper will suggest that understanding the complex relationship between affective polarization and the social contract is essential for building more resilient and inclusive societies.