Cultural Polarization

Cultural polarization is the growing distance between groups of Americans over values, identity, and beliefs about what the country stands for. It shows up in debates over education, religion, and politics. Schools, legislatures, courts, and the media all become places where the disagreement plays out.

People usually ask what drives the divide, how it affects trust in government, and whether it leads to political violence. Others ask how schools teach civics, how religion and public life interact, and whether left and right share responsibility for division. Each side gives its own account of the causes.