Ever wonder why politics can be so polarizing?
Psychologists have an answer. Social Categorization Theory looks at different dimensions of the self, including the social self. Our social self identifies with others in social groups. Since we identify with group ideals, an opposing group ideal must exist. The more our identity is tied to a group, the more we dehumanize the other group. This creates an “us” versus “them” mentality, where any opposing ideal can feel like a threat to our identity.
The next time you find yourself dehumanizing “the other side” over an opinion or an issue, remember that a difference of opinion does not necessarily constitute a threat to your identity.