Resumen

AVARO, Dante. Polarization. A Conceptual Analysis. Rev. mex. opinión pública [online]. 2025, n.38, pp.96-116.  Epub 23-Jun-2025. ISSN 2448-4911.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fcpys.24484911e.2025.38.89186.

This work analyzes the concept of political polarization, its historical evolution, and its relevance in the current democratic context. It proposes a definition of polarization as a partial equilibrium between polarizing supply and demand, where centrist actors struggle to attract those at the extremes while facing difficulties in maintaining their position. The research contrasts polarization with the concept of cleavage, arguing that they are conceptual opposites. It concludes that polarization is always detrimental to democratic stability, rejecting the notion of “acceptable” polarization.

Palabras llave : Political polarization; democracy; cleavage; democratic stability; political conflict.

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