Talk: Social Norms as a Solution to Societal Polarization: Insights from a Europe-Wide Survey

In the face of rising societal polarization in Europe, a recent study by Oliver Christ and Laura Schäfer from FernUniversität Hagen (Work Package 1) explores the potential of inclusivity norms – social norms promoting respect, dialogue, and unity – as a remedy. Their survey of 12,041 individuals across 12 European countries reveals that these norms correlate with increased social trust and cohesion at the societal level, and with greater tolerance and willingness to cooperate at the individual level. This promising approach highlights the power of social norms in mitigating the adverse effects of polarization.

For those interested in further exploring this topic, a talk discussing these findings will be held on June 25th, 2024. For more details, read here.