I updated some old graphs on U.S. House polarization last night. I did this because I use the measure as a ‘system sensing’ device. I also did it because I use the graphs in my classes, partly because students have heard of polarization — and therefore need to think critically about it.
There are lots of critiques of the polarization idea lately. I wrote a not-great one back in February 2021. I say “not great” because 90 percent of it conceded the terms of debate.
Here is one more full critique, which I highly recommend. I was honored to meet one of the authors at the 2022 APSA meeting.
Here is another. I include it on my Congress syllabus.