www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/01/political-polarization-leads-to-more-polarization/

In an Washington Post opinion piece by Jason Willick, published on April 1, 2024, he delves into the relationship between political knowledge, self-confidence, and polarization in American democracy. Willick challenges the conventional notion that an ideal democratic citizen is well-informed, engaged, and ready to make a difference. Instead, he suggests that the current political climate, marked by polarization and an abundance of “experts,” may not lack political intensity.

Willick cites a study published in the Oxford University journal Public Opinion Quarterly. The study analyzes data from the 2020 Cooperative Election Study and focuses on the connection between self-described political knowledge and affective polarization. Here are the key findings:

Self-Confidence and Polarization: Americans with high levels of self-described political knowledge tend to be more polarized and intolerant of the opposing party.