DIVIDED BY DECADES: POLITICAL POLARIZATION AND GENERATIONAL CHANGE IN THE UNITED STATES

Abstract

In a time marked by deep political turmoil that is met with heightened ideological tensions towards a large array of issues, one thing emerges: political polarization. This divide is most commonly seen between Democrats and Republicans, the two major parties within the United States. There are many things that greatly divide us based on how we prioritize various issues and policies in accordance. Many different factors go into shaping political views and partisan alignments. In recent years, though, these factors have become more likely to impact the polarization of citizens in the United States. However, while many factors are reported on, age is a factor that is frequently left out in the discussion of what affects political polarization. In recent years, the erosion of the middle ground is certainly prominent, and this thesis aims to see if and how age plays a role in shaping political attitudes and engagements and if this in turn creates an increase in political polarization. In doing so, it seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of the social dynamics that underpin political polarization in contemporary society. Overall, this thesis finds that age functions not only as a contributing factor in polarization but a significant determinant that shapes its depth and trajectory.