A new study of 1,330 Americans shows that Democrats are more likely to view Republicans unfavorably than Republicans are to view Democrats, even in everyday scenarios like choosing friends, neighbors, or potential family members.
A new study of 1,330 Americans shows that Democrats are more likely to view Republicans unfavorably than Republicans are to view Democrats, even in everyday scenarios like choosing friends, neighbors, or potential family members.
The study, published by Julie M. Norman and Beniamino Green on February 4, 2025, in the journal Political Psychology, examines the extent to which political party labels overshadow other social identities such as race, religion, or income.
Participants and Method
The survey sampled a diverse cross-section of the United States, reflecting differences in race, region, gender, and education.
Participants were presented with profiles of hypothetical strangers that varied by political affiliation, ideology, and other traits, and they had to decide which individuals they would prefer in social roles.
From these comparisons, the researchers measured how factors like partisanship influenced people’s choices.
Findings on Partisan Dislike
Democrats were around 16% less likely to pick a Republican compared to an Independent in one scenario, while they were about 7% more likely to select a fellow Democrat.
Republicans also favored their own party, though not by as large a margin: they were around 11% less likely to choose a Democrat over an Independent and about 9% more likely to select another Republican.
Political Labels Overshadow Other Identities
“Our findings indicate that political identity outweighs all other social identities and demographics,” the authors write, including race, class, gender, religion, geographic locale, and education level.” In other words, whether someone is a Democrat or Republican appears more significant than almost any other factor in shaping how favorably people view one another.
The study explored whether these feelings changed when people imagined closer relationships. “While out-group animosity is stronger than in-group sentiment in abstract attitudinal measurements, the results are mixed in interpersonal behavioral measurements,” the authors note.
This suggests that, although partisanship is a strong force, some individuals become more tolerant when considering their day-to-day interactions.
Cross-Cutting Identities Offer Little Relief
Many observers have hoped that people who do not fit traditional partisan stereotypes might reduce polarized thinking.
Yet, the authors write, “contrary to assumptions, cross-cutting identities do not appear to dampen social polarization.” Even when someone’s traits did not match usual Democratic or Republican profiles, partisans generally stuck to their own side.
Spillover Beyond Politics
The researchers emphasize that these trends have broader implications.
Citing earlier work, they write, “one major concern is that partisan animus might spill over and affect behaviors and attitudes outside the political realm.” The new data suggests this is already happening, as everyday choices become shaped by partisan allegiances.
Study Details:
- Norman, J. M., & Green, B. (February 4, 2025).
- Why can’t we be friends? Untangling conjoined polarization in America.
- Political Psychology, 00, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.13084