Our political divides and social identities

Political polarization is tearing the country apart with partisans viewing the other side in increasing personal terms, as immoral or evil. There have always been deep disagreements and conflicts in America but as we get ready to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary it feels as if democracy itself is on the line.

Psychologist Keith Payne argues that few of us hold a fully coherent or consistent political ideology. Instead, its our social identities — our sense of belonging to particular groups — that often shape our belief system.

In his book Good Reasonable People, Payne explores why today’s divide is so hard to understand and to bridge: nearly everyone believes they are a good, reasonable person acting in good faith.

Keith Payne joins us to examine the roots of political polarization and the steps it might take to find common ground.