For a long time, political talk at the “moderate middle” has focused on a common theme that goes something like this:
There is too much political polarization and conflict. It’s tearing us apart. People aren’t treating each other with compassion. We need to come together, set aside our differences, and really listen to each other.
I have heard countless versions of this argument in my personal life and in public forums. It is hard to disagree with them at first. Who can be against seeking common ground?
But as a political sociologist, I am also skeptical of this argument because we have good research showing how it keeps people and organizations from working through important disagreements. When we try to avoid conflict above all, we often end up avoiding politics altogether. It is easy to confuse common ground with occupied territory — social spaces where legitimate problems and grievances are ignored in the name of some kind of pleasant consensus.
A really powerful sociological image popped up in my Twitter feed that makes the point beautifully. We actually did find some common ground this week through a trend that united the country across red states and blue states:
It is tempting to focus on protests as a story about conflict alone, and conflict certainly is there. But it is also important to realize that this week’s protests represent a historic level of social consensus. The science of cooperation and social movements reminds us that getting collective action started is hard. And yet, across the country, we see people not only stepping up, but self-organizing groups to handle everything from communication to community safety and cleanup. In this way, the protests also represent a remarkable amount of agreement that the current state of policing in this country is simply neither just nor tenable.
I was struck by this image because I don’t think nationwide protests are the kind of thing people have in mind when they call for everyone to come together, but right now protesting itself seems like one of the most unifying trends we’ve got. That’s the funny thing about social cohesion and cultural consensus. It is very easy to call for setting aside our differences and working together when you assume everyone will be rallying around your particular way of life. But social cohesion is a group process, one that emerges out of many different interactions, and so none of us ever have that much control over when and where it actually happens.
Evan Stewart is an assistant professor of sociology at University of Massachusetts Boston. You can follow him on Twitter.
Comments 61
Prosenjit Dey — June 5, 2020
Best ML Injection
Prosenjit Dey — June 5, 2020
ML Injector APK
kahoot — June 8, 2020
nice post man kahoot
https://teatv.club/ — June 8, 2020
nice post https://teatv.club/
https://teatv.club/ — June 8, 2020
https://teatv.club/
https://teatv.club/ — June 8, 2020
https://teatv.club/
Achini Pathirana — June 14, 2020
The above saying is interesting because it is tempting to focus on protests as a story about conflict alone, and conflict certainly is there.
From AnonyTun
Strickland — June 15, 2020
Thanks for sharing... https://www.exporthub.org/
livetheorangelife.info — June 22, 2020
Thank you for your nice comment on my blog! livetheorangelife.info
a — June 29, 2020
Y'all have a comment spam problem!
cloud tv — July 11, 2020
Thank u nice and warm 👆 the 📱 to the 💪 now and my collection is it a mosquito bite me to win a 👕 that others are not going to share it on your way
James — July 28, 2020
Yes. But we all need to know more about our honest children. That was irony. They could be not so honest with you. So, I would like to highly recommend you one wonderful website that will definitely help you with spying. It's really simple. Just check out the modern news about kids without an eye on them.
selenakale — November 2, 2020
I have learned about it but not much, thanks for your information driving directions
website — November 12, 2020
It is truly a nice and helpful piece of info. I'm glad that
you simply shared this useful info with us. Please keep us
up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
TrentBoult — December 21, 2020
Really appreciate your thoughts and your all points are briefly explain. Thanks for share a great knowledge.
molecular desiccant supplier
James Cooper — December 21, 2020
you have a great article and all the information are relevant .
dc compressor fridge freezer
Maragret Kindla — December 21, 2020
Jual Beton Cor umumnya dicari oleh para pekerja dalam bidang bangunan. Beton cor adalah salah satu bahan bangunan yang mempunyai... silahkan kunjungi https://roadbarriermegacon.kedungsepur.my.id/2020/08/harga-road-barrier-megacon-1-di-gubug.html
Maxima Henby — December 21, 2020
Cubicle WC ialah salah satu yaitu kamar mandi berkesan modern dan elegan yang terdiri dari partisi-partisi yang terhubung dengan aksesoris ... visit https://partisi-kamar-mandi.blogspot.com/ untuk informasi selengkapnya.
vasil — December 22, 2020
Если зарабатываете в интернете. И еще и зарабатываете с помощью майнинга, вам будет полезно почитать о вирусах и как их выявить https://hashalot.io/blog/post_mining/kak-najti-i-udalit-skrytyj-virus-majner-na-vashem-kompyutere/ . Это очень важный аспект, если ваша работа связана с тем, что вы лазите на разных браузерах.
vasil — December 22, 2020
Здесь информации куда больше, о криптовалютах и курсах в целом. https://hashalot.io/blog/chto-takoe-heshrejt-v-majninge/ . Я довольна
Bert Croissant — December 29, 2020
Pakar kontraktor pembuatan, renovasi dan perawatan kolam renang di Indonesia. Pelayanan kencang dan ... lihat di https://renovasi-kolamrenang.netlify.app/biaya-renovasi-kolam-renang-cilacap.html untuk ketahui info selengkapnya
Alayna Quaintance — January 4, 2021
Phenolic board merupakan Panel Partisi kamar mandi yang kamar kecil dari yakni lapis Kraft paper dan resin yang dilaminasi sebagian dengan decorative paper pada ... tap https://partisi-kamar-mandi.blogspot.com/2018/08/cubicle-toilet-phenolic-balikpapan-murah.html for detail information.
Rachell Vallieres — January 6, 2021
Jasa truk towing betul-betul dibutuhkan dalam situasi darurat dikala berkendara, melainkan masih banyak yang tak tahu jenis figur dan harga ... info lebih lanjut https://carcarrier.netlify.app/car-carrier-cirebon-jakarta.html
Leopoldo Corsaut — January 7, 2021
Kaca Tempered yakni salah satu variasi kaca yang lazim ditemukan dan diaplikasikan pada pintu, jendela, dinding batas kaca, partisi, eskalator, tangga, kunjungi https://kontraktorpartisikaca.blogspot.com/2020/01/
Lucretia Hewgley — January 18, 2021
At KontraktorEpoxy.co.id we can satisfy all of your epoxy needs. We specialize in all applications of coating listed inside our solutions section. We have the ability to change any older... visit https://berkahepoxy.neocities.org/jual-cat-epoxy-metro.html for more detail.
Buddy Cragar — January 25, 2021
DistributorPintu.com will be the top manufacturer in eating venue and even retail doors. People offer community leading doors just for corrosion resistant, hearth positioned, in addition to supermarket… visit https://distributorrollingdoor.blogspot.com/2019/07/distributor-rolling-door-terpercaya-1.html for more detail.
Anonymous — January 28, 2021
t is tempting to focus on protests as a story about conflict alone, and conflict certainly is there. But it is also important to realize that this week’s protests represent a historic level of social consensus. The science of cooperation and social movements reminds us that getting collective action started is hard. https://cryptograph.life/reviews/exchanges/obzor-birzhi-yobit-yubit-ebit-yobit-uobit-registraciya-verifikaciya-preimushchestva-i-nedostatki
Anonymous — January 28, 2021
A really powerful sociological image popped up in my Twitter feed that makes the point beautifully. We actually did find some common ground this week through a trend that united the country across red states and blue states. https://hashalot.io/blog/aktualen-li-majning-na-videokarte-gtx-1050-ti/
LogisticAdda — March 20, 2021
We are the number one top packers and movers in Delhi, we deal car, bike shifting, household relocation. and many more.
Visit: - https://www.logisticadda.in/
usa map — May 9, 2021
I just wanted to let you know that I just viewed your website and I found it very interesting, providing me with a lot of valuable information.
directions
Academic Inside95 — October 5, 2021
Hello we are Academicinside help advisor please visit my website. Thanks
Academic Questions
AussieJackets — October 11, 2021
Shop High Quality Leather Jackets, Leather Coats and Blazers with Free Shipping! Explore collection at.
Australian Leather Jackets
HardCoreinc — October 15, 2021
HARDCORE CYCLES was started in the Greater Philadelphia area by a group of tight friends with a passion for V-Twin performance aftermarket parts.Visit our Website Thanks
Slyfox Bassani 2-1 Titanium / Stainless Exhaust for Harley M8 Bagger
Merry John — October 27, 2021
Hashlob paved the way as one of the notable, trustworthy and diligent company with adiversied array ofsatised customers
elharam — December 2, 2021
Awesome thank you for sharing the amazing article.
شركة تنظيف مكيفات بخميس مشيط
No1 — July 7, 2022
antiwordle is a best crossword game today. This game helps you a lot, especially improving your thinking ability and judgment. The game works in web browsers and no installation is required!
victoria — July 11, 2022
Your article content is getting a lot of attention, I'm very impressed with your post. I hope to receive many more good articles. wheel spinner
Marian — July 23, 2022
What a great article, truly impressive. Thank you for sharing.
https://www.excavationdoneright.com/excavation-atlanta
Dwight Sainato — September 16, 2022
Are generally results, it is a cheap private tutoring fee this is we now have prepared for face-to-face private tutoring or private tutoring... click for more information https://matematika-exed.blogspot.com/2022/05/les-privat-matematika-terdekat-di_10.html
Alisha Dean — September 19, 2022
By giving my own example of conflict with my partner, conflict inevitably arises in all relationships, and uncomfortable conversations are inevitable. I managed to deal with them. So by dealing with these conflicts our relationship become more stronger.
Alisha Dean — September 19, 2022
Do My Assignment For Me Cheap
grttyww — September 27, 2022
Your piece has garnered a lot of interest, and I'm really impressed with it. I'm hoping to get much more excellent content. basket random
Debroah Grriffin — October 24, 2022
Best in addition to Cheapest Jabodetabek Individual Coaching, each of our employees and tutors appear to your home, collection your review routine and may decide on virtually any subject regarding study ... go to https://kursus-ekonomi.netlify.app/les-privat-ekonomi-jakarta-pusat.html for more information
James Wooleyhan — December 1, 2022
Executive-Education.id is a person teacher provider site in Jabodetabek that is ready to help parents to discover tutors for their kids in line with their wishes... go to https://privat-matematika.vercel.app/les-privat-matematika-kebayoran-baru.html for further
Seth Langhout — December 7, 2022
The best Jabodetabek private tutoring for kindergarten, elementary, junior high school. The most beneficial private teachers graduated from well-known state universities. The nearest tutoring place online to the house at affordable ... visit https://kursus-mandarin.vercel.app/kursus-bahasa-mandarin-setiabudi.html for further
Anonymous — May 4, 2023
This article provides a thought-provoking perspective on seeking common ground and avoiding demolishing ourselves over conflict. The author raises concerns about the consequences of prioritizing consensus over addressing disagreements, excavating and digging at the potential for overlooked problems below the surface.
Thomas Edsall — May 15, 2023
But as a political sociologist, I am equally dubious of this claim because solid research demonstrates how it prevents individuals and groups from solving significant conflicts. We frequently shun politics altogether 17 Inch wheels when we want to avoid conflict above all else.
willam son — May 20, 2023
Another area that often offers more economical car options is the South. States such as Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama have a lower cost of living, including lower taxes and insurance rates, which can translate into more affordable car prices https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7wZoxEgc6A
jard — May 20, 2023
Moreover, some southern states have a higher demand for trucks and SUVs due to their rural and outdoor-focused lifestyle, which can lead to lower prices for smaller https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7wZoxEgc6A
ChrisBrown — May 30, 2023
The adage that was just read is intriguing for the following reason: it is easy to concentrate on demonstrations as if they were a tale about conflict alone, yet conflict is there.
roller baller
connect dots
สมัคร sa gaming — June 19, 2023
Every time I find new information I will always enter your blog first. to receive new news. สมัคร sa gaming
veratem — June 26, 2023
That is all the helpful information I needed. I appreciate you sharing.
Minesweeper
Rosabella — July 19, 2023
Happy wheels is a physics-based, side-scrolling obstacle course game with over a billion online plays that is now available on mobile devices.
Virginia Scott — July 26, 2023
I agree, it is hard to disagree with the idea of seeking common ground. It is a basic principle of conflict resolution and it is essential for building strong relationships. When we can find common ground, we are able to build bridges and create understanding. This can lead to more cooperation and less conflict. Ladder tray
Junn — August 11, 2023
It's easy to see why trying to find common ground to avoid conflict might be appealing, but as a political scientist, you're right to be skeptical of this strategy mapquest driving directions. Even though it may seem like a good idea at first, study has shown that it can actually stop people and groups from talking about important differences and working toward real answers.
Robin — August 17, 2023
It can create a sense of common purpose. When people are faced with a common enemy or challenge, it can bring them together and make them feel like they are all in this together. This can be seen in many different contexts, such as during wars or natural disasters. SEO
ทางเข้าเล่น 789betting — August 20, 2023
Your article is very important. ทางเข้าเล่น 789betting Thank you for sharing information. I will apply.
Kelly — October 12, 2023
It is important to remember that we are all Americans. We may have different political views, but we share a common destiny. Barn Wedding Venue Columbus, Ohio By working together, we can overcome our differences and build a better future for everyone.
Bekean Loinse — October 20, 2023
The desire to find common ground can sometimes lead to false equivalences, where fnf game both sides of an argument are given equal weight, even if one side's arguments are based on misinformation or prejudice. This can perpetuate false narratives and harmful ideologies.
Mnaisa — October 22, 2023
Having a common foe or problem to solve can unite a group and make them feel like they're in it together. puppet hockey
JackE — November 10, 2023
That is Great