Americans generally like wolves − except when we’re reminded of our politics
The Conversation••nation
Key Points:
- Despite the common perception of deep conflict over gray wolf management in the U.S., surveys reveal that most people, including those in politically conservative states, hold positive views of wolves, with 74% of Montana residents tolerant or very tolerant of them in 2023.
- Social identity theory explains how group loyalties can distort perceptions and exacerbate conflicts, leading individuals to favor their in-group and mistrust out-groups, which can intensify polarization even on issues where broad agreement exists.
- Research involving over 2,200 participants found that activating political identities increased polarization on wolf attitudes, with Democrats becoming more supportive and Republicans more opposed, driven largely by incorrect assumptions about the extremity of in-group views.
- Showing people the actual moderate views of
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