Making Enemies: Reactive Dynamics of Discursive Polarization

Backström, Joel; Creutz, Karin; Pyrhönen, Niko

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-89066-7_6

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 40 publications

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“…Our study supports the view that to understand the dynamics of societal and political polarization in specific sociopolitical contexts (e.g., issues related to immigration), it is not enough to study the populist or anti‐immigration voices only. Rather, we need to examine how polarization is co‐constructed between opposing views and how these views gain strength in processes of argumentation and counter‐argumentation between voices from across the political and ideological spectrum (Backström et al, 2022; Durrheim et al, 2018; Sakki & Martikainen, 2021; Stavrakakis, 2014). In doing so, we may be able to find spaces for dialogue in which we can develop mutual attempts to engage constructively with societal problems.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who's to blame for failed integration of immigrants? Blame attributions as an affectively polarizing force in lay discussions of immigration in Finland

Rovamo,

Pettersson,

Sakki

2023

Political Psychology

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Increasing expression of antagonism toward immigrants has turned immigration into one of the most polarizing issues in many countries, among them Finland, dividing people into those who favor and those who oppose immigration. But while affective polarization of the kind exemplified by widespread responses to immigration has recently received increasing attention from political psychologists, little attention has been paid to how affective polarization develops through the mutual reinforcement of opposing discourses. The application of critical discursive psychology to interviews with lay Finns reveals this mutual reinforcement in progress. In our interviews, Finns across the political spectrum construct five subject positions by attributing blame for immigration‐related challenges. Both sides blame some “other” for the challenges while exempting themselves from blame. Our study makes three contributions to political psychology: exploring how blame attribution helps to generate affective polarization, illustrating the ability of (critical) discursive psychology to illuminate processes of affective polarization in individuals, and bringing the concept of affective polarization drawn from survey research into dialogue with the concept of subject positions constructed by blame attribution drawn from discursive studies of populism.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Who's to blame for failed integration of immigrants? Blame attributions as an affectively polarizing force in lay discussions of immigration in Finland

Rovamo,

Pettersson,

Sakki

2023

Political Psychology

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Introduction: The Far-Right Discourse on Multiculturalism in Intergroup Interactions

Pettersson

Nortio

2022

The Far-Right Discourse of Multiculturalism in Intergroup Interactions

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Mapping the terrain of hate: identifying and analyzing online communities and political parties engaged in hate speech against Muslims and LGBTQ+ communities

Unlu,

Truong,

Kotonen

2024

Int J Data Sci Anal

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This study investigates the impact of X on political discourse and hate speech in Finland, focusing on Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities from 2018 to 2023. During this period, these groups have experienced increased hate speech and a concerning surge in hate crimes. Utilizing network analysis methods, we identified online communities and examined the interactions between Finnish MPs and these communities. Our investigation centered on uncovering the emergence of networks propagating hate speech, assessing the involvement of political figures, and exploring the formation dynamics of digital communities. Employing agenda-setting theory and methodologies including text classification, topic modeling, network analysis, and correspondence analysis, the research uncovers varied communication patterns in retweet and mention networks. Retweet networks tend to be more fragmented and smaller, with participation primarily from far-right Finns Party MPs, whereas mention networks exhibit wider political representation, including members from all parties. Findings highlight the Finns Party MPs' significant role in fostering divisive, emotionally charged communications within politically segregated retweet communities, contrasting with their broader engagement in mention networks. The study underscores the necessity for cross-party efforts to combat hate speech, promote inclusive dialogue, and mitigate political polarization.

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Making Enemies: Reactive Dynamics of Discursive Polarization

Cited by 4 publications

References 40 publications

Who's to blame for failed integration of immigrants? Blame attributions as an affectively polarizing force in lay discussions of immigration in Finland

Who's to blame for failed integration of immigrants? Blame attributions as an affectively polarizing force in lay discussions of immigration in Finland

Introduction: The Far-Right Discourse on Multiculturalism in Intergroup Interactions

Mapping the terrain of hate: identifying and analyzing online communities and political parties engaged in hate speech against Muslims and LGBTQ+ communities

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