There has been a simultaneous rise in income inequality and ideological polarization across old and new democracies in past decades. Although a large body of literature has been dedicated to...Show moreThere has been a simultaneous rise in income inequality and ideological polarization across old and new democracies in past decades. Although a large body of literature has been dedicated to exploring the relationship between the two factors in old democracies, new democracies have been largely neglected. In this thesis, I examine the effect of income inequality on mass ideological polarization in a sample of 36 new democracies. Using data from seven waves of the World Values Survey, I conduct several statistical analyses to test the hypothesis that higher levels of inequality are associated with higher levels of polarization. Although the study provides no robust evidence to support the hypothesized relationship, it shows that globalization and unemployment have a statistically significant effect on polarization. The study calls for further cross-national research to be conducted on the relationship between inequality and polarization in new democracies.Show less
Has the internet, and in particular social media, increased political polarization in presidential elections in the United States? Political polarization has been increasing in recent years....Show moreHas the internet, and in particular social media, increased political polarization in presidential elections in the United States? Political polarization has been increasing in recent years. Ideological polarization is mainly caused by elite polarization and partisan media. In periods of presidential elections, however, social media plays a big role in influencing the public via candidate’s online campaigns but also via online activity of partisan media. The factor of engagement and the ability to create a partisan “echo chamber” on online platforms are reasons why social media has an impact on the electorate. This thesis finds that the internet and social media have had a noticeable impact on political polarization in presidential elections in the United States, but are not a sole or main cause of the increase.Show less
