Ideological Polarization? The Case of Argentina in the Latin American Context

Abstract

This paper examines the trajectory of the ideological polarization process that Argentina has been undergoing since 2008, within the broader context of increasing ideological polarization in Latin America. Using data from the Americas Barometer surveys from the Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), the study proposes a measurement of ideological polarization based on two key aspects: ideological self-placement on a left–right scale and individuals’ attitudes toward redistribution as a proxy for attributes associated with opposing ideological positions. Based on these indicators, the paper examines the evolution of ideological polarization in Argentina and Latin America between 2008 and 2023. The findings indicate that ideological polarization in Argentina increased at a faster rate than in Latin America as a whole. However, its levels remain below those observed in the region. This contrast constitutes the main finding of this study.