Comparing Electoral Polarization Levels

Abstract

This paper introduces a definition of ideological polarization of an electorate around a particular central point. The definition is flexible about the location or boundaries of the center. Using US survey data, the paper shows how this approach can be used to establish whether polarization is occurring, and to find the position around which it is happening. I then show how ideological polarization as defined here is related to other phenomena, such as affective polarization and increased salience of divisive issues.