(iPoster) Identity Divides: Gender, Class, and Polarization among Young South Koreans

• In Event: Poster Session: Political Psychology I & II
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Political Psychology II

Abstract

Political polarization is a growing concern for democratic stability worldwide, often linked to the erosion of trust, social cohesion, and institutional legitimacy. While much of the existing literature focuses on established democracies, newer democracies like South Korea offer unique insights into the intersection of social identity and political polarization. This paper applies Social Identity Theory (SIT) to examine how social identities shape political behavior and ideological alignment among South Korean youth (aged 18–35).
SIT posits that individuals derive a significant part of their self-concept from their group memberships, which can foster in-group solidarity and out-group antagonism. In the South Korean context, this dynamic is amplified by a rapidly modernizing society where traditional cleavages, such as regionalism, are giving way to new forms of identity-driven polarization. Gender identity has become particularly salient, as evidenced by the political divergence between young men and women. Young men increasingly align with conservative positions, reacting to perceived biases in gender-related policies, while young women exhibit strong support for progressive candidates and policies. Similarly, class-based identities, driven by growing economic insecurity and disparities, have begun to influence ideological alignment, with lower-income youth gravitating toward policies addressing economic redistribution.
Utilizing an original dataset, this paper explores these emerging patterns through the lens of SIT, arguing that social identity provides a crucial framework for understanding youth political behavior in South Korea. Unlike older generations shaped by democratization and regional loyalty, younger voters navigate a political landscape where identity-based grievances and cultural anxieties play a central role. By integrating SIT with existing polarization literature, this study highlights the ways in which group-based identities are mobilized in political discourse, reinforcing ideological divides.
This theoretical exploration contributes to a growing body of literature on identity politics and polarization, offering new perspectives from the understudied context of South Korea’s youth. It challenges traditional assumptions that younger voters are ideologically moderate and instead suggests that social identities are becoming more critical to their political decision-making processes. Furthermore, this study underscores the importance of understanding how identity-driven polarization evolves in newer democracies, where institutional structures are less entrenched, and social cleavages remain fluid.
The findings from this study have broader implications for democracies globally, as identity politics increasingly shape electoral outcomes and deepen societal divisions. Understanding the mechanisms through which identities influence political behavior is essential for addressing polarization and fostering inclusive democratic governance. This paper sets the stage for future empirical investigations into the intersection of social identity and political polarization, particularly in rapidly evolving political contexts like South Korea.

Author

• Anna Hengge, University of Heidelberg