polarization
n.the situation where people in a group divide into two very different and opposite opinions. This often happens in politics when people cannot agree on anything.
n.the process or state in which a group or population divides into two sharply contrasting sets of opinions or beliefs. Frequently used in political science to describe the widening gap between ideological extremes.
“The country is facing deep political polarization.”
“Social media algorithms often increase polarization by showing users content that only confirms their existing beliefs.”
“The increasing polarization of the electorate has made it difficult for lawmakers to reach a consensus on even the most basic legislative priorities.”
Uncountable in its sociological sense; often paired with 'of' to specify the group being divided.
“That distinction matters because public debate over polarization often starts with a simple idea: People prefer others who think like them—"birds of a feather flock together," as the saying goes.”
Common in science and history writing
Borrowed from French polarisation. By surface analysis, polarize + -ation or polar + -ization.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.