Finding common ground: how can we reduce political polarisation?
Politics is often a divisive topic, as people have strong views about politicians, governments and how society should be organised. At the University of Alberta in Canada, Professor Jared Wesley is helping people with opposing political views to find common ground. By encouraging respectful discussions, he hopes to reduce the harmful divisions in society.
Talk like a political scientist
Blue collar worker — a manual labourer, e.g., someone who works in agriculture
Conservatism — the political viewpoint that a good society is created by preserving traditions and that individuals are responsible for their own success
Democracy — a form of government in which the population has a say in choosing their leaders
Gaslighting — manipulating someone into doubting their own reality
Polarisation — the division of political ideas into two opposing viewpoints or people into two opposing camps
Progressivism — the political viewpoint that a good society is created by embracing new ideas and that the government is responsible for ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed
Virtue signalling — when someone publicly expresses opinions to show they have good morals, more to gain approval than to create real change
Whataboutism — refusing to address a criticism and instead attacking the criticiser with ‘But what about…?’
From Brexit in the UK to Trumpism in the US, the world is becoming increasingly polarised. When people can only see two opposing viewpoints, they might feel they must ‘pick a side’, leading to a divided society, or they might disengage from politics, which weakens democracy.
Professor Jared Wesley is a political scientist at the University of Alberta. He leads the Common Ground research group, which aims to help people understand how the stereotypes they hold influence how they see themselves in political discussions, and to improve conversations between people with different political opinions.
Why is polarisation a problem?
“Progressivism and conservatism are different ways of thinking about how to create a good society,” explains Jared. Progressives believe that change is necessary for progress, while conservatives believe in preserving traditions. They also hold different views about the government’s role in society – progressives believe the government should create fairness and equity, while conservatives believe success is achieved through personal hard work, and that it is not something the government should provide for everyone.
These differences between progressives and conservatives are not a problem. In fact, the ability to debate different ideas is a key part of democracy. But progressivism and conservatism are more than just political viewpoints – they are also cultural identities. Being a progressive or a conservative is deeply rooted in personal beliefs and experiences, which means political debates are as much about people’s sense of self as they are about policies.
Problems occur when political debates turn hostile, and people start seeing those with opposing views as ‘the enemy’. “As politicians blame each other and refuse to compromise, trust in the government declines,” says Jared. “Without trust and cooperation, society becomes more divided.” This polarisation leads to an ‘us vs. them’ mentality.
How do stereotypes impact politics?
To uncover how Albertans view themselves, Jared and his team conduct workshops in which they ask participants to ‘draw an Albertan’ and then describe their character (e.g., their job, family and beliefs). This exercise highlights the stereotypes that Albertans hold about people from their province, as most participants draw an Albertan who is a white, male, blue collar worker, often wearing a cowboy hat or hard hat.
Reference
https://doi.org/10.33424/FUTURUM573
“However, in subsequent discussions, many participants acknowledge that their own identity does not fit the narrow stereotype they have drawn,” says Jared. “They also acknowledge that very few people in society resemble that stereotype. This gap between perception and reality creates tensions in political culture.” Albertans who draw a white, male, blue-collar worker but who do not see themselves in this character often feel that their own identities are not part of Alberta’s politics, leaving them feeling excluded.
By exposing the stereotypes Albertans have about their province’s identity, the workshops help people reassess what it means to ‘be Albertan’ and understand that their identities and experiences do matter. “This newfound awareness empowers people to see themselves within political discussions, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging active engagement,” explains Jared. He emphasises that it does not mean erasing the traditional Albertan figure but expanding the definition of what it means to be Albertan. “By recognising the many different people who contribute to the province, we can create a more accurate understanding of Alberta’s political and social landscape. The antidote to polarisation is inclusion.”
Can playing games improve political discussions?
To address the challenge of polarisation and to encourage progressives and conservatives to have healthier interactions, Jared and his team have developed two games for members of the public and those working in politics. “Games are a powerful tool, as they allow people to transform abstract concepts into practical experiences,” says Jared.
The first game is an interactive simulation to help people navigate the challenges of political discussions. Players take on different roles, such as politicians, activists and concerned citizens, and engage in discussions about real-world issues. Throughout the game, they encounter harmful means of communication, such as gaslighting, whataboutism and virtue signalling, that are commonly used to disrupt constructive discussions.
“By experiencing these barriers first-hand, players learn to recognise the ways in which polarisation derails discussions,” explains Jared. “The game doesn’t just highlight problems – it provides practical strategies for steering discussions back on track.” To de-escalate tensions and keep conversations productive, players must find ways to understand people with perspectives different from their own. “Ultimately, this game encourages people to shift how they interact with opposing viewpoints, moving from confrontation to cooperation in building common ground.”
The second game teaches players how to have respectful debates. “One of the biggest barriers to meaningful political discussions is fear that the conversation will damage relationships,” explains Jared. “This game removes that pressure by shifting the focus away from ‘winning’ the debate and towards understanding different perspectives.” In this game, players debate a range of topics, varying from light-hearted questions such as whether cereal is a soup, to politically charged issues such as policy debates and social controversies. Players are encouraged to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with opposing viewpoints in a way that strengthens relationships rather than causing division.
By providing people with the tools to have respectful discussions about political topics, the Common Ground research group is reducing divisions in society and strengthening democracy, one conversation at a time.
Professor Jared Wesley
Department of Political Science, University of Alberta, Canada
Field of research: Political science
Research project: Bridging political divides by understanding stereotypes and encouraging respectful discussion
Funders: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS)
Websites: www.jaredwesley.ca; www.commongroundpolitics.ca
About political science
“Democracy depends on the ability of people with different perspectives to work together,” explains Jared. “Having constructive conversations doesn’t mean everyone has to agree, but it does mean that divergent viewpoints must be respected.” In today’s increasingly polarised world, political scientists are more important than ever for helping society to understand and prevent the issues that lead to division. This means that studying political science is very exciting, as it provides a unique opportunity to shape the world.
It was the global rise of divisive politics that led Jared to establish Common Ground. “Increasingly, political debates are no longer about competing ideas but about demonising the opposition,” he explains. “This turns many people away from political engagement, and as the moderates withdraw, the only voices left in the conversation are those most committed to deepening divisions.” Common Ground seeks to create space for the bridge-builders.
“Disagreement is natural in a democratic society, but it becomes dangerous when people start treating their opponents as enemies,” Jared says. “It is important that people with different political opinions still have a shared sense of purpose as this reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all working towards a common goal – building a better society.”
Pathway from school to political science
At high school, study social studies, history, economics, philosophy and English to learn about key political concepts and to develop your critical thinking.
“Politics is about understanding society, debating ideas and finding solutions for complex problems – developing these skills will set you up for success,” says Jared. “Participate in your school’s debate club or student government and get involved with your local youth parliament or Model United Nations (www.un.org/en/mun). These experiences will provide a strong foundation in public speaking, negotiation and policymaking.”
Gain hands-on experience through youth action initiatives such as the United Nations’ Youth Delegate Program (www.wfuna.org/program/youth-delegate-program) and the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community (www.globalshapers.org). And look for internships or volunteering opportunities with local politicians, election campaigns and advocacy groups.
At college or university, study political science, public policy or international relations to learn about governance and power. Economics will explain how policies impact people’s livelihoods, while sociology and anthropology will provide insights into how culture and identity shape political behaviour. Philosophy will teach you ethical reasoning, and statistics will enable you to analyse data to understand public opinion and policy impacts.
Explore careers in political science
“Politics influences everything, from climate change policies to education funding,” says Jared. “With a background in political science, you will have the tools to solve problems and advocate for a better future. Whether you want to fight injustice, improve public policy or ensure democratic stability, political science will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a real impact.”
Common careers for political scientists include roles in government (such as policy analysts, legislative assistants and public servants who shape and implement policies that impact people’s lives), law (such as lawyers, legal analysts and human rights advocates who use political knowledge to influence legal decisions and protect democratic principles), communication (such as journalists who report on political events and campaign strategists who support political leaders), and academia (which involves teaching and conducting research about political systems).
Meet Jared
I grew up in a time of deep division, both in Canada and around the world. The 1980s and 90s were marked by intense political debates, including constitutional crises in Canada, the end of the Cold War and major global shifts in power. Politics was everywhere, and it was hard not to get caught up in it, which sparked my interest in how societies govern themselves and how people mobilise around ideas.
I ran in several school elections – not always successfully! I probably lost as many as I won, but those experiences taught me valuable lessons about leadership, resilience and the challenges of bringing people together. Even in a school setting, it was clear that politics was never just about ideas – it was about people, relationships and finding ways to bridge differences.
Growing up in a biracial family in rural Canada, I was constantly aware of how identity shapes people’s experiences and perceptions. In my small town, there were more stereotypes about Black people than there were Black people. These assumptions weren’t based on personal experience but on media portrayals and ingrained cultural biases. This made me acutely aware of how identities are shaped by the stories we tell about each other – whether they’re accurate or not. It was impossible for me to ignore how politics determines who belongs and whose identities are seen as legitimate.
My experiences reinforced my belief in the power of education to break down barriers. Learning about different histories, perspectives and lived experiences helps people recognise that identities aren’t fixed categories, and that politics should be about building common ground, not reinforcing divisions. If we want more inclusive and less polarised societies, we need to give people the tools to see beyond stereotypes and engage with each other as individuals, not just as representatives of opposing groups.
Before becoming a professor, I worked in senior roles in the Government of Alberta, negotiating agreements to ensure policies worked smoothly across Canada. This job allowed me to solve real-world problems by using what I had learnt when studying political science. I saw how complicated government decision-making can be and why it’s important to base policies on evidence and research, not just politics. My experiences in government and academia have taught me that political science isn’t just something you study – it’s something that actively shapes the world around us.
Jared’s top tips
If you feel surrounded by polarising political viewpoints or uncomfortable because your opinions differ from those of your friends and family, remember this: it’s okay to disagree. Differences in opinion are a normal and healthy part of living in a diverse society. The key is to approach these situations with curiosity and respect rather than fear or frustration.
Start by listening to understand, not to argue. Even if you don’t agree, understanding their perspective can help you have more productive and respectful conversations. Focus on finding common ground and remember that your ability to form your own opinions is a strength – your voice matters. Democracy thrives on diverse ideas and respectful dialogue, and your willingness to engage thoughtfully can make a difference.
Do you have a question for Jared?
Write it in the comments box below and Jared will get back to you. (Remember, researchers are very busy people, so you may have to wait a few days.)
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