The Inherent Nature of Polarization in Democratic Pluralism
Israel Covarrubias, author of the book “Polarization, Five Challenges of Democratic Pluralism,” argues that polarization is inherent to the logic of democratic pluralism. He posits that democracy, once established, becomes a regime of division rather than suppressing internal societal and political divisions.
According to Covarrubias, democracy’s role is not to stifle divisions but to make them visible and demand that society learns to coexist through these differences, which paradoxically keep us united.
Relevance and Importance of Reflecting on Polarization
The phenomenon of polarization is evident, but its significance lies in the fact that populism has become the dominant political contract in terms of public life and shared experiences. It seems that we can only debate or express our opinions from a polarized viewpoint, and political actors use polarization as a tool to gain an edge over their rivals.
The health of democratic pluralism in the country appears to be deteriorating, as the process of democratization never successfully established a high and healthy threshold for pluralism. This lack of genuine pluralistic societal development post-democratic transition is a pressing concern.
Why Politics and Polarization Are Not Necessarily Inevitable
Covarrubias explains that the word “politics” inherently involves partial, not totalitarian, positions. Consequently, political parties defend specific interests. He asserts that polarization is intrinsic to democratic pluralism, as democracy, once rooted, does not suppress but rather highlights internal societal and political divisions.
He argues that polarization and populism are not inevitable, as there can be polarization without populism. For instance, some established European democries, even non-right-wing ones, exhibit high levels of polarization.
Benefits of Polarization in Communication and Narrative Construction
Using polarization in communication and narrative building simplifies the justification process. It avoids constructing a coherent, profound discourse explaining one’s position. Polarization condenses complex ideas into concise phrases, effectively conveying the intended message.
The Significance of Time Acceleration
Time acceleration reflects our societal subordination to technology. This determination extends beyond mere instrumentality, encompassing smartphones, computers, tablets, and AI applications. This technological logic dictates the human purpose within contemporary society.
Can We Find Positives in Our Current Polarization?
To comprehend polarization, we must consider the foundation of democratic experience over the past half-century. Polarization has been expressed through protest movements, strikes, and even wildcat strikes with violent confrontations. Today, we observe an inverse relationship in perceiving polarization.
The intensification of polarization levels is the issue, as we live in a technologically determined era that encourages an exaggerated perspective on social, political, cultural, and economic life.
With the perceived decline of limitations, polarization becomes a significant fuel for frustration, fantasy, infantilism, and irresponsibility—all expressions of our time.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why is it important to reflect on polarization now? Polarization is evident, but its significance lies in populism’s dominance in public life and shared experiences.
- What is the state of democratic pluralism in the country? The author believes that democratic pluralism’s health is declining due to insufficient establishment of a robust and healthy pluralism post-democratic transition.
- Why does Covarrubias say there’s no politics without polarization? Politics inherently involves partial positions, and polarization simplifies justification without constructing a coherent discourse.
- Why are polarization and populism not necessarily inevitable? There can be polarization without populism, as seen in some established European democracies.
- What are the advantages of using polarization in communication and narrative building? Polarization condenses complex ideas into concise phrases, effectively conveying the intended message.
- Why is time acceleration important to consider? It reflects our societal subordination to technology, dictating human purpose within contemporary society.
- Can we find positives in our current polarization? Understanding polarization requires considering the foundation of democratic experience, acknowledging its intensification and exaggerated perception in our technologically determined era.
