America is in a new period of political polarization
The Cultural
Roots Behind the
Political Division
Within America
Understanding the cultural backgrounds
that shape the political beliefs of those
around you following the 2016 Presidential
Election to create a better future for
America.
A research study by Christian Oh
Methodology
and division.
Data gathered for this research was
Following the 2016 Election of Donald Trump, there
have been protests, riots, and even killings. Families
through the use of internet articles and
databases to obtain demographic statistics
and friends have been split apart. It may be difficult
for you to associate with people of opposite beliefs
for you that you were once close to.
on Americans. The statistics were utilized
to determine how the cultural backgrounds
of others influence political beliefs. These
There is an overall spirit among the American
demographics were analyzed in observed in
seeing how certain groups affiliate more
people that the conflicting beliefs and actions of
with a party, and also if these preferences
others are taken with malicious intent. The other
relate to the party’s overall support for the
side is the way they are because of evil motivations.
You yourself may even have these thoughts of related factors/demographics.
others. Your own beliefs may even be considered
"extreme" by theirs.
What if there is more to this? What if the roots of
political ideology are shaped by cultural
background? What are solutions that each side
present for this? How can we better understand the
perspectives of others to help stop this division?
 Results/Data
From data it can be concluded that the division
within the US is rooted to the identities that
people associate themselves. Whether it be
sexuality, race, or class, people have grown to
associate with the side they feel will most
preserve their identity and cultural background.
When one’s worldview is threatened, resistance
occurs. People have taken Donald Trump’s
proposed policies and actions as a serious threat
to their way of life. Conversely, those that view
his policies will benefit their identity defend
him. As a result, conflict and division have arisen
between those who support him and those who
don’t. All in all, this division is a response to an
apparent cultural change perceived by the
American people.
Issues Prioritized/Favored by Each Party
Democrat:
Race (Marginalized Peoples)
LGBT Rights
Syrian Refugee Crisis
Social Welfare
Analysis/Solution
The increased violence and division has
undoubtedly lead to an increase in distaste and
coldheartedness for the opposite side. It also
appears that this increased animosity has also
caused an increase in partisan politics, and
therefore only the most negative and worst parts
of one side’s aspects and ideas are acknowledged.
Overall, people have become less tolerant over
the views of others, even if their beliefs are not
extreme. In many cases, others are automatically
dismissed just for revealing a certain affiliation.
When doing so, they ignore the other cultural and
social backgrounds that have shaped the view of
others, only seeing their own views as right. With
the recent tensions and turmoil, people have
grown more connected and affiliated with their
party, causing even more distaste. While some
have seen this behavior as a necessary solution to
combating unjust laws and ideas, others have
disregarded this as they feel it will only create
more conflict and division.
References
Fingerhut, H. (2017, December 14). Partisanship and
Political Animosity in 2016. Retrieved February 15,
2019, from http://www.people-
press.org/2016/06/22/partisanship-and-political-
animosity-in-2016/.
Smith, S. (2018, September 24). A Deep Dive Into
Party Affiliation. Retrieved February 16, 2019, from
http://www.people-press.org/2015/04/07/a-deep-dive-
into-party-affiliation/.
Strauss, M. (2016, February 16) It's Been 150 Years
Since the U.S. Was This Politically Polarized. Io9.
Retrieved February 14, 2019. From
http://io9.gizmodo.com/its-been-150-years-since-the-
u-s-was-this-politically-1590076355.
U.S History What Factors Shape Political Attitudes?
Retrieved February 1

Republican:
Border Protection Steps to Take:
2nd Amendment
National Security
Understand the cultures of others, including your
Traditional Familial/Marriage Values friends' and family member's that have shaped
their political beliefs.
Inc. in Distaste for Opposite Party Understand that the political beliefs of others is
DNC - 91%
also formed by culture.
GOP - 86%
Support for Same Sex Marriage Try to listen to the perspective of the other side
DNC - 70% before dismissing them.
GOP - 33% Look at your own beliefs and how your culture,
Party Support by Race (DNC/GOP) identity, and upbringing has shaped them.
White (51/49)
Engage in conversation and discussion with
African American (80/20)
Asian (65/35) political opponents rather than shunning them.
Hispanic (56/44) This only causes more division.

(Pew Research Center)