Affective Polarization Undermines Perceived Safety and Life Satisfaction: A Social Capital Perspective

• In Event: 40420 - Section on Political Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 7: Partisan Politics

Abstract

Affective polarization has been intensifying globally in recent years, with South Korea being a notable case. It is known to increase distrust and hostility between social groups. More concerningly, they could exhibit a higher tolerance for political violence, which, in extreme cases, escalates into real-world incidents.
Studies indicate that highly polarized individuals exhibit strong distrust, resentment, and even hatred toward opposing groups. Individuals who are highly polarized become less willing to collaborate with those who hold opposing views, perceiving political opponents as enemies. The deterioration of social bonds not only undermines democratic stability but may also have significant implications for individual well-being. However, while extensive research has examined the causes and socio-political consequences of affective polarization, relatively few studies have explored its impact on health and well-being through this lens.
A few existing studies suggest that affective polarization negatively affects health, primarily linking it to psychological mechanisms such as heightened exposure to stress. However, they overlook the broader societal consequences of affective polarization, including its impact on social relationships, community perception, and overall quality of life. In particular, the specific social mechanisms through which it diminishes life satisfaction remain unclear, requiring further research to clarify its impact.
Using data from the 2023 Korea Social Integration Survey(n=8,221), this study applies social capital theory to examine how affective polarization reduces life satisfaction. Specifically, I investigate whether affective polarization exacerbates perceived safety characterized by the breakdown of social trust and cohesion. According to main analysis results, affective polarization negatively influences perceived safety even after controlling for confounding variables, thereby exerting a negative effect on life satisfaction. Thus, this research provides further evidence that the growing affective polarization in contemporary society poses a risk to well-being by fostering perceived unsafety as a consequence of the erosion of social trust.

Author

• Sujin Song, Chung-Ang University