Research workshop on Understanding the Crucial Role of Polarization and Radicalization in Shaping Everyday Democracy
This is an invitation for researchers interested in the complex dynamics of Polarization and Radicalization in relation to democratic values. The workshop will provide a specific research context, starting with an introduction and discussion of a soon-to-be-released CFP for a book where participants can share their interests. The workshop will then open for specific interests from participants, which will be followed up in upcoming meetings to contribute to the book or potential research applications.
The workshop takes place in Växjö, room K1074 but can also be attended via Zoom. Contact pernilla.severson@lnu.se to get Zoom-link.
The book has an interdisciplinary perspective and invites authors into a shared space where scholars and practitioners explore various aspects of everyday democracy, particularly in the context of polarization and radicalization. Polarization, aligning societal differences along a single dimension, poses significant risks to democracy by fostering opposition and conflict (McCoy et al., 2018). Radicalization, often a consequence of polarization, involves individuals or groups moving away from mainstream ideologies toward more extreme positions, sometimes leading to violence (Schmid, 2000). By examining how everyday democracy interacts with these processes, this book aims to provide new insights into how democratic resilience can be built in the face of polarization and radicalization. Through a broad approach encompassing various societal systems and institutions, the book explores the complexities and nuances of these challenges, offering a deeper understanding of everyday democracy and its potential to mitigate the risks of polarization and radicalization.
The workshop is part of collaborative research-based initiatives in Autumn 2024 from the knowledge environment A questioned democracy. Workshop organizers are Pernilla Jonsson Severson and Emma Ricknell, the book's editors. Questions and/or comments are welcomed. Contact us at pernilla.severson@lnu.se and emma.ricknell@lnu.se.