A Song of Angry Men: Affective Polarization in the United States as a Symptom of a Democratic Deficit

Abstract

The United States is facing a crisis of democracy. Over the past 40 years, the increased prevalence of neoliberalist policies has weakened democratic mechanisms, while causing rising levels of inequality that, in turn, have driven up antagonistic tribalism. Polarization is accompanied by an unprecedented degree of hostility, causing experts to refer to this trend as ‘affective polarization’. Through analysis of intersecting historic, economic, political and cultural developments, this thesis examines where American democracy is lacking to produce such outcomes, providing insight into the various ways in which affective polarization can be viewed as a symptom of a democratic deficit.

Key words: affective polarization, antagonism, tribalism, neoliberalism, American democracy, groupness theory, politics of fear, politics of resentment, liberal democracy, whiteness theory