Divided by the Vote: Affective Polarization in the Wake of the Brexit Referendum

Abstract A well-functioning democracy requires a degree of mutual respect and a willingness to talk across political divides. Yet numerous studies have shown that many electorates are polarized along partisan lines, with animosity towards the partisan out-group. This article further develops the idea of affective polarization, not by partisanship, but instead by identification with opinion-based groups. Examining social identities formed during Britain's 2016 referendum on European Union membership, the study uses surveys and experiments to measure the intensity of partisan and Brexit-related affective polarization. The results show that Brexit identities are prevalent, felt to be personally important and cut…

• AP
  American Political Science Association
• UO
  University of Exeter
• DU
  Durham University
• UZ
  Universität Zürich
• EA
  Economic and Social Research Council

  Awards: ES/R000573/1, ES/R000573/1