AFFECTIVE POLARIZATION AND THE DESTABILIZATION OF CORE POLITICAL VALUES

Abstract

Affective polarization – intense partisan animosity – has become a defining feature of many contemporary democracies. This article examines how such polarization interacts with citizens’ core political values (e.g. support for democracy, equality, rule of law) and whether rising polarization undermines those values. Through a systematic review of recent literature, we trace theoretical accounts and empirical findings on both sides of this relationship. We analyze U.S. panel and survey studies alongside comparative research to identify themes such as values driving polarization, polarization reshaping values, and effects on democratic norms. Our methodology involved searches in major databases (e.g. Scopus, Web of Science) for peer-reviewed studies on “affective polarization” and “political values,” and we coded the findings thematically. Key results indicate a complex interplay: in earlier U.S. data (1990s), entrenched values contributed to partisan animus, but recent evidence (2016–2020) suggests the reverse – intense interparty dislike now increases value extremism. Elsewhere, comparative studies find that although polarization generally correlates with distrust of institutions, mass publics often still endorse basic democratic norms. We discuss how, overall, affective polarization can erode shared commitment to democratic principles under extreme conditions, even if broad value support appears resilient for now. The paper concludes by highlighting implications for institutional trust and suggesting directions for future research.