Ego-Network Difference, Political Communication, and Affective Polarization During Political Contention

Authors

  • Francis L. F. Lee Chinese University of Hong Kong

Keywords:

affective polarization, ego-network difference, network heterogeneity, cross-cutting exposure, interpersonal political discussion, Hong Kong

Abstract

This study examines the implications of ego-network difference, understood as the presence of (perceived) political disagreement between a person and people in his or her social network, on affective polarization in the context of a contentious protest movement. Based on arguments from contact theory and the literature on the influence of interpersonal political discussions, this study tests a series of hypotheses about how ego-network difference shapes extents of interpersonal political discussion, amount of cross-cutting exposure, and attitude toward the political outgroup. Analysis of survey data in Hong Kong shows that ego-network difference is related to lower levels of interpersonal political discussions, higher levels of cross-cutting exposure, and lower levels of affective polarization. It undermines negative attitude toward the political outgroup both directly and indirectly through reducing interpersonal discussions, though not through cross-cutting exposure. Moreover, ego-network difference weakens the relationship between interpersonal discussion and polarization. Theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.

Author Biography

Francis L. F. Lee, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Chinese University of Hong Kong

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Published

2022-10-14

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Section

Articles