Nations With More Dialectical Selves Exhibit Lower Polarization in Life Quality Judgments and Social Opinions

Abstract

This study shows that nations whose members are less likely to dissociate pleasant and unpleasant emotions (an established measure of individual-level dialecticism) are also less likely to exhibit strong and polarized quality judgments (very good vs. very bad) in life appraisals or in assessments of current domestic social issues as measured by the 2007 Pew Research Center survey in 47 nations. Middle Eastern Arab societies are characterized by the highest polarization in their answer patterns, while East and South East Asia are at the opposite extreme. It is suggested that pastoralism may have promoted the adoption of a strong stance in communication styles, resulting in stronger polarization, whereas rice cultivation may have encouraged the expression of moderate statements.