The Polarisation Phenomenon: Case of Spain

The work of the Spanish sociologist Luis Miller is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of polarisation typical of many countries of the modern world ‒ the division of society into two confrontational, or even warring camps. The monograph examines the causes, nature, varieties, consequences of polarisation, possible ways to overcome its negative consequences. Based on the Spanish experience, the author compares it with the political practice of those countries where similar processes are developing. The monograph demonstrates that polarisation is based on the identification of a person with a particular social community, a certain political choice. In this case, there is a comparison with the Other, which becomes a catalyst in the formation of a common group identity. The Other becomes a catalyst in the formation of a common group identity. L. Miller identifies three types of polarisation ‒ ideological, affective and everyday, giving a characteristic of each of them. Spain in the last decade has become one of the most polarised countries in the world. Among the main causes of polarisation, the author highlights the existence of persistent mass unemployment and deep social inequality, the unresolved territorial problem, expressed in the existence of a strong separatist movement in Catalonia. The transformation of the Spanish party system ‒ the transition from bipartism to a real multi-party system ‒ also played a role. The emergence, along with traditional new very influential parties, led to the formation of left and right political and ideological blocs, relations between which are characterised by a high degree of intolerance. The author sees the effective way to combat the negative consequences of polarisation in reducing the severity of economic and social problems generated by inequality and social exclusion.

Spain, Catalonia, polarisation, tensions, identity, parties