Does Ideological Polarization Lead to Policy Polarization?

TL;DR

This paper examines how ideological polarization influences policy polarization, revealing a non-linear relationship where increased ideological divides can lead to either moderation or extremism in policies, depending on the polarization level.

Contribution

It introduces a model showing the non-monotonic effects of ideological polarization on policy positions and clarifies the role of valence in extreme candidate behavior.

Findings

Low ideological polarization leads to policy moderation with increased polarization.

High ideological polarization results in more extreme policy proposals.

Valence effects vary with the degree of ideological polarization.

Abstract

I study an election between two ideologically polarized parties that are both office- and policy-motivated. The parties compete by proposing policies on a single issue. The analysis uncovers a non-monotonic relationship between ideological and policy polarization. When ideological polarization is low, an increase leads to policy moderation; when it is high, the opposite occurs, and policies become more extreme. Moreover, incorporating ideological polarization refines our understanding of the role of valence: both high- and low-valence candidates may adopt more extreme positions, depending on the electorate's degree of ideological polarization.