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Assessing Mass Opinion Polarization in the US Using Relative Distribution Method

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  • Jae Lee

Abstract

Through an analysis of the cumulative data of the American National Election Studies between 1984 and 2008, this study presents evidence of growing mass polarization in terms of standard ANES measures of ideological orientation using the public policy issue dimensions. The empirical findings here suggest that the degree of polarization among US citizens increased as the distributional center of measures of political ideology have progressively declined, though the opinion distribution of the later periods do not dramatically exhibit a text-book style polarized distribution (e.g., bimodal distribution). According to the findings, attitudes toward government guarantees have shifted back and forth between more liberal and more conservative positions while public opinion on cultural issues has generally moved more liberal positions over years. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2015

Suggested Citation

  • Jae Lee, 2015. "Assessing Mass Opinion Polarization in the US Using Relative Distribution Method," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 124(2), pages 571-598, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:124:y:2015:i:2:p:571-598
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-014-0797-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. John H. Evans, 2003. "Have Americans' Attitudes Become More Polarized?—An Update," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 84(1), pages 71-90, March.
    5. Hetherington, Marc J., 2001. "Resurgent Mass Partisanship: The Role of Elite Polarization," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 95(3), pages 619-631, September.
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