The Conversation - Political polarization may end, one day

This is a rough time in the U.S., with partisan political rancor at historic levels. But maybe there’s hope, if we just wait.

Political science scholars Sally Friedman at the University at Albany and David Schultz at Hamline University research how different generations approach politics and what views they hold on social and political issues. They report that the current American polarization is in part the result of political differences between older generations – those born roughly between 1925 and 1981 – and younger ones, those born in or after 1982. But the older generations are gradually playing a smaller role in politics.

What Friedman and Schultz reveal about younger people’s political views – and the level of disagreement within their generations – offers an indication that more peaceful, cohesive times may be just around the corner.

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