#coalitions — Public Fediverse posts

“The evolution of cooperation required out-group #hatred, which is really sad,” said Nicholas Christakis, a Yale sociologist

This is just as true on today’s political stage. There are two major parties, and their contests are viewed as zero-sum outcomes.

#Win or #lose.

The presidency is the ultimate example: There are no consolation prizes for the loser.

No researcher argues that human nature is the sole, or even the primary, cause of today’s #polarization.

But savvy political operatives can exploit, leverage and encourage it.
And those operatives are learning from their triumphs in #divide-and-#conquer politics.

Here’s where psychology gives way to political science.

The American political system may cultivate “out-group” hatred, as academics put it.

🔹One of the scarce resources in this country is political #power at the highest levels of government. 🔹

The country has no parliamentary system in which multiple parties form governing #coalitions.

Add to this fact 🔹#redistricting that ensures there are fewer truly #competitive congressional races.🔹

The two parties have inexorably moved further apart ideologically, and leaders are more likely to be punished — “#primaried” — if they reach across the aisle.

And because many more districts are now 🔹deeply red or blue, 🔹rather than a mix of constituencies, House members have fewer reasons to adopt moderate positions.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2024/01/20/polarization-science-evolution-psychology/