The Paradox of Progress with Polarization

This paper discusses possible reasons for the global deterioration in social attitudes despite greater economic prosperity, wider dissemination of technology and reductions in poverty. This deterioration manifests in the form of deeper political polarization, less trust in institutions and lower tolerance for dissenting views and opinions. Results suggest that this deterioration, as recorded by the attitudes domain of the Positive Peace Index and other indicators, could be linked to perceived increases in corruption and administrative inefficiency. In addition, while the diffusion of information technology has produced enormous economic and social benefits, there is some evidence that the spread of disinformation may have contributed to a decline in social attitudes and deeper polarization of society. Economic inequality and gender disparities also foment worsening social attitudes; however, their influence appears to be of a lesser quantum than that of maladministration and disinformation.