A flexible measure of voter polarization
提出一种衡量选民意识形态极化的新方法，可围绕研究者关注的任意中心点测量离散程度。基于美国调查数据发现，右倾中心极化逐渐上升，左倾中心极化先稳定后急剧增加，并揭示该方法与情感极化及分裂议题凸显度的关联。
This paper introduces a definition of ideological polarization that measures dispersion of voter ideology around any central point of interest to a researcher. Applying this framework to U.S. survey data reveals that polarization around right-of-center positions increased gradually, while polarization around left-of-center positions remained stable before rising sharply. I then show how this model of ideological polarization is linked to affective polarization and to increased salience of divisive issues. • The paper introduces a way of measuring polarization in a distribution. • The measure evaluates dispersion around any chosen central point. • The paper applies it to measuring evolution of electoral polarization in the US. • The measure is linked to affective polarization and to salience of divisive issues.