Value-Affective Polarization of Large Social Groups in Conditions of Information Uncertainty

Abstract

Objective. The goal is to consider the phenomenon of value-affective polarization of large social groups, to analyze the methodological foundations of the study of this phenomenon in Russia and abroad, as well as some empirical results in the study conducted by the authors. Background. Due to the global changes taking place in the world in the context of rapid scientific and technological progress, as well as the emergence of new means of information exchange, conditions have arisen in many countries, including Russia, for the manifestation of the phenomenon of value-affective polarization of the population. The study of this phenomenon is an extremely urgent problem, since it allows not only to describe the psychological mechanisms of political confrontation in society, but also to develop approaches to assess its development and reduce negative consequences. Study design. The article examines the attitude of respondents with different types of value polarization to the most significant political events in Russia against the background of stressful social events, such as the conduct of a special military operation and partial military mobilization. Participants. Russian sample: 548 people with higher education (60% women, 40% men), aged 21 to 47 years (M = 34,8; SD = 8,6). Measurements. Developed on the basis of the IAT (Implicit Association Test) test, a methodology that evaluates implicit (hidden or unconscious) political attitudes (IPA). The Big 5 methodology and questionnaire for assessing current events in Russia and abroad and the likelihood of their occurrence in the future. Results. A connection has been established between the results of the IPU and the direct answers of the respondents to the questionnaire questions. After the announcement of partial military mobilization in both polar subgroups ("loyal" and "disloyal"), the number of people who do not trust the Russian media, which cover events taking place on the territory of Ukraine, increased. At the same time, the level of patriotic sentiment among the population as a whole has increased. It is shown that as polarization develops, there is a tendency to irrationality of judgments of representatives of opposing parties. After the announcement of the SMO, the opinions of the respondents of the polar groups on some issues either did not change, or became more solid and pronounced. Conclusions. Currently, there is no reason to believe that the value polarization of the Russian population has a pronounced tendency to transform into affective polarization, but such a danger exists. The problem discussed in the article has not been sufficiently studied in Russian social and political psychology, however, the development of an appropriate methodology and theory, as well as methods and techniques, will allow us to study this phenomenon more deeply and effectively.