Social Polarization

Social polarization occurs when a society's opinions, beliefs, or identities become divided into distinct and often conflicting groups. This division leads individuals to hold more extreme views within their group while becoming less tolerant of those holding different opinions. As a result, social interactions and dialogue can become strained, increasing misunderstandings and conflicts. Polarization can be driven by factors like media, political rhetoric, or societal changes, and it often reduces the willingness of groups to find common ground, affecting social cohesion and democratic processes.