“Balanced Pragmatism” Discussions Increases Cross-Partisan Respect - Two Minute Papers (Pragmatics)
Two Minute Papers - Cross-Lingual
Synthesizing research on wisdom and a real-world practitioner intervention, we develop/test a strategy for presenting political views that fosters cross-partisan respect. This strategy—balanced pragmatism—combines two aspects of “wise reasoning:” balancing multiple interests and seeking pragmatic solutions. Studies 1-3 (N = 1187) demonstrate that participants respected out-group political elites more when they used balanced pragmatism vs. other forms of messaging. Studies 4-6 (N = 671) extend the usefulness of balanced pragmatism to everyday political disagreements: cross-partisan comments about divisive issues (i.e., guns and immigration) generated more respect when they used balanced pragmatism vs. logical analysis. Strikingly, people were as willing to discuss politics with disagreeing opponents who used balanced pragmatism as they were agreeing ingroup members. Mediation analyses suggest that balanced pragmatism improves cross-partisan respect by making opponents seem more moral, authentic, and rational. Results highlight connections between political/moral psychology and wisdom research, and the fruitfulness of scientist-practitioner collaborations.
A study published in the journal PsyArXiv found that "balanced pragmatism" discussions can increase cross-partisan respect. Balanced pragmatism is a communication style that involves acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of an issue, and then seeking common ground.
The study found that people who engaged in balanced pragmatism discussions were more likely to view their opponents as moral, authentic, and rational. They were also more willing to discuss politics with their opponents.
The study's authors suggest that balanced pragmatism can help to bridge the partisan divide by making it more difficult for people to demonize their opponents. When we can see the strengths and weaknesses of both sides of an issue, it becomes more difficult to dismiss our opponents as being completely wrong.
Here are some tips for engaging in balanced pragmatism discussions:
Acknowledge the strengths of your opponent's position. Even if you disagree with your opponent, there are likely some aspects of their position that you can appreciate. For example, you might agree with your opponent that climate change is a serious problem, even if you disagree with their proposed solutions.
Identify the weaknesses of your own position. It's important to be honest with yourself about the weaknesses of your own position. This will help you to be more open to the other side's arguments.
Seek common ground. Even if you disagree on many things, there are likely some areas where you can find common ground. For example, you might both agree that we need to find a way to reduce carbon emissions.
Be respectful. Even if you disagree with your opponent, it's important to treat them with respect. This means avoiding personal attacks and name-calling.
Balanced pragmatism is not always easy, but it can be a valuable tool for building cross-partisan respect. By following these tips, you can help to bridge the divide and make progress on the issues that matter to you.
A balanced pragmatism, so often sought,
The idea that ideas must be practical, is always bought.
Finding harmony 'twixt heart and mind
Is the ultimate goal of those who are enlightened.
Balanced pragmatism, it makes us strong,
Allowing us to be both ideal and wrong.
Bringing together what may seem apart,
In the search of truth, no matter how hard.
Balanced pragmatism, the ultimate goal.
Sitting happily between the heart and the soul.