polarisation
a situation in which people separate into two strongly different groups with opposite opinions
the process or condition in which people, groups, opinions, or societies become split into sharply opposing sides, especially in politics
in physics, the way light or another wave is made to vibrate mainly in one direction
the process or state in which the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, are restricted to a particular direction or plane
in physics or chemistry, the movement or alignment of positive and negative charges in different directions
the separation or alignment of positive and negative electric charges in a material or system, producing an electric polarity
- Base: polarisation
- Plural: polarisation, polarisations
affective polarisation
1hostility toward political opponents
when people strongly dislike or distrust the other political side
- Affective polarisation is visible when voters see the other party as not just wrong but dangerous.
- The study measured affective polarisation by asking people how warmly they felt toward supporters of each party.
- Affective polarisation means people dislike the other side.
job polarisation
1loss of middle-skill jobs
when there are more jobs at the top and bottom of the pay scale, but fewer middle-level jobs
- Automation has contributed to job polarisation in many rich economies.
- Job polarisation can leave workers with fewer secure middle-income options.
- Job polarisation has reduced the number of middle-income jobs.
polarisation of light
1light waves in one plane
a physics effect in which light waves vibrate mainly in one direction
- The polarisation of light is used in 3D cinema and LCD screens.
- Bees can detect the polarisation of light in the sky and use it for navigation.
- We used a filter to show the polarisation of light.
political polarisation
1political division into camps
when people or parties in politics become very divided and unwilling to agree
- Political polarisation has made it difficult for the parties to pass basic legislation.
- Researchers found rising political polarisation among voters who get most of their news online.
- Political polarisation is growing before the election.
social polarisation
1society split into groups
when different groups in society become more separate and less equal or less trusting
- Rapid growth in luxury housing and homelessness has increased social polarisation in the city.
- Schools can either reduce or reinforce social polarisation.
- Social polarisation can make communities less trusting.