Turning 18 in a Polarized America

By Sophie Persia

1/26/25

In less than a month, I will be a legal adult. I can buy a lottery ticket or apply for a credit card, but, in my opinion, the most important part of turning 18 is being eligible to vote. This means that finally, I will have a say in the world around me. However, politics has become a source of toxicity, carving out a deep divide between the American people. According to the Pew Research Center, 88% of Americans agreed that there are major conflicts between political parties (Wike and Dimoc). On topics ranging from immigration to abortion, the American people find it difficult to agree with their neighbors. But, where does this divide come from, and why is this so prevalent in today’s politics?

Political polarization is a driving force in 2026 society. Author Afamefuna Onyeogulu offers three explanations as to why citizens tend to gravitate towards affiliating with a certain political party: the Social Identity Theory, the Instrumental Partisanship Model, and the Expressive Partisanship Model. The Social Identity Theory argues that individuals bond over shared characteristics and create an ‘Us vs. Them' mindset. The Instrumental Model represents an ideal voter - believing that people align with parties based on ideological beliefs, government performance, and policy positions. The Expressive Model proposes that voters make decisions based on social identity based on religion, race, or gender (Onyeogulu). However, none of these theories describes each individual, as voters tend to swing between the three. Yet, Onyeogulu argues it is undeniable that psychology shapes our political beliefs and behaviors (Onyeogulu). As research is very surface-level, psychologists recognize that political polarization stems from many different aspects of the human being. 

The effects that political polarization has played in our society today is largely based on misperception. This is driven by the fact that people believe false perceptions of opposing partisans that are driven by political leaders. Johanna Dunaway, research director at Syracuse University and political science professor, highlights that these leaders are often extreme members of each party who do not represent every individual in a group (Dunaway). In his article, “Decreasing the Political Polarization of the American Public,” Edward B. Foley states, “Politics is no longer respectful deliberation over policy alternatives among fellow citizens, but instead a vicious fight between antagonist tribes that view each other as villainous enemies” (Foley). Political polarization threatens the stability and function of the U.S. government. Additionally, this misinformation between different groups causes the public to feel as if one party must defeat the other (Foley). Political polarization is an epidemic in the U.S. that we are actively facing. The deepening crack between American citizens endangers our government. As a society, we can practice acceptance and open-mindedness to bridge this gap.  

Sources:

• Dunaway, Johanna. “The “Great Divide”: Understanding US Political Polarization

• Foley, Edward B. “Decreasing the Political Polarization of the American Public

• Heltzel, Gordon, and Kristin Laurin. “Polarization in America: Two Possible Future

• Onyeogulu, Afamefuna. “The Psychology of Political Polarization

• Wike, Richard, and Michael Dimock. “Can Americans Be Optimistic about Their Democracy?