Disagreements over political polarization persist despite conflicting interpretations of its types.

This study clarifies the distinction between social and issue-based polarization, showing both can occur simultaneously.

Social polarization—marked by increased partisan bias, anger, and activism—is rising due to sorting along partisan lines. This process strengthens alignment with party identities even without changing core issue positions.

The analysis of ANES data demonstrates that while partisans are more ideologically aligned overall, their issue stances remain less polarized than the social indicators would suggest.

Findings & Significance:

The findings indicate that polarization exists in two forms: one behavioral/social and another rooted in ideological alignment.

Data Source:

ANES data from recent decades provides empirical support for this dual nature of polarization.

Mechanism Explained: Partisan sorting reinforces social cleavages without necessitating equivalent divergence on specific issues.