Politics, partisanship, and our relationships: Where do we draw the line?

Abstract

Exploring the subject of political partisanship and polarization, this study examines the scope of effects that differing levels of partisanship can have in social interactions, communications, and relationship building processes. By looking at how individuals with differing levels of political affiliation strength view others, their willingness to openly communicate, and engage in social connections and friendships with other political out-group members, we are able to see just how much of a part partisanship affects our daily lives. This study examines four main topics: (i) How differing levels of partisanship affected the desire to form social connections and communicate with political non-group members; (ii) Whether higher levels of political affiliation strength, or partisanship, correlated with higher experiences of anxiety and apprehension when interacting and communicating with political out-groups; (iii) How individuals with differing levels of partisanship affected workplace behaviors and practices; (iv) The overall polarization differences between the two opposing political groups within the study. The findings from this study indicated that there was a highly significant difference between ‘Strongly’ affiliated political partisans, as compared to every other group, when choosing to interact, communicate, or create social relationships with others. Strong partisans were shown to be overall less willing to make these social connections than all the other subgroups, and by large margins. The findings also showed that, in the case of Democrats, strongly affiliated partisans exhibited a higher rate of anxiety and apprehension when communicating and interacting with political out-groups.