Processes of Ideological Polarization in 21st Century Latin America

• In Event: The Contours of Political Polarization in 21st Century Latin America

Abstract

Polarization has become an increasingly important topic among students of political science. The ways polarization processes are shaping political behavior puts it as one of the key characteristics of present-day politics. This article presents a descriptive analysis of the different processes of ideological polarization that have taken place in Latin American electorates in the first two decades of the 21st century. Using data from the “AmericasBarometer” surveys from the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), we propose a measure of polarization based on citizens´ self-positioning on the ideological left-right scale. We perform a comparative analysis of the different patterns of polarization found in eighteen Latin American countries, and suggest possible determinants of such processes. Among the main findings, we observe similar processes of polarization taking place in countries that share certain systemic political characteristics. Also, we find cases that show unique polarization patterns. Taking into account these findings, we propose a typology of ideological polarization processes. We conclude by briefly discussing the possible consequences of increasing ideological polarization in Latin American societies.

Authors

• Paolo Moncagatta, Universidad San Francisco de Quito

• Javier Rodríguez, University of Wisconsin-Madison