Conservative–Liberal Polarization in the United States: Approaches to Reducing Tensions Between Culture and Politics

Abstract

This article examines the growing cultural and political tensions between conservative and liberal ideologies in the United States and analyzes the key factors contributing to this polarization. The study demonstrates that these conflicts extend beyond ideological differences alone; media discourse, polarization in social networks, and dominant narratives within the education and cultural sectors further intensify societal divisions. Conservatives often perceive their values as being underrepresented in the public sphere, whereas liberals advocate for a more inclusive and evolving model of society.

One of the principal findings of the study is that the absolutization of ideological positions on both sides limits opportunities for dialogue and weakens social cohesion. In order to reduce polarization, the article emphasizes the importance of strengthening mutual dialogue, minimizing the polarizing influence of the media, ensuring balanced representation of diverse ideological perspectives, and fostering a culture of open debate within educational institutions. The study highlights the multi-level nature of political polarization and argues that it emerges from the parallel interaction of psychological, social, and cultural mechanisms rather than from a single explanatory factor.