Party Polarization and COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract COVID-19 constituted a fundamental threat. In many cases, such threats bring people together. Yet, in the United States this was not the case. This chapter explores the impact of polarization on Americans’ reaction to COVID-19. The chapter begins by reviewing work on affective polarization and its rise over time. Then work that reveals substantial polarization of elite discourse regarding COVID-19 is reviewed; this polarization likely contributed to partisan differences in the public’s response to COVID-19. These partisan distinctions covered a range of attitudes, behaviors, and attributions. Nonetheless, an ironic dynamic is seen regarding affective polarization particularly. The extent of affective polarization initially decreased with the onset of COVID-19; yet, it remained at levels high enough that it drove partisan responses. These findings highlight the distinction between the extent of polarization and the consequences of polarization. The chapter concludes by discussing potential antidotes to how polarization divides countries during periods of existential threat.