What kind of depolarization should we aim for? Making communication transformative

Polarization may become a threat to democracy, if it starts to block the capacities for collective problem-solving. This is particularly problematic in the current state of multiple social and ecological crises. Calls for depolarization often lack clarity about what kind of depolarization is normatively desirable. Academic texts often lack transparency about the values that underpin recommendations for better communication. Focusing on discursive polarization – polarization as emerging in communication – we propose Democratic Transformative Communication as a normative framework. It defines desirable communication as that which enables societies to engage in socio-ecological transformations in order to fully realize its foundational democratic values. Today, these values need to be complemented by the principle of sustainability. This lens also reshapes what counts as desirable depolarization: the goal is not to go for luke-warm compromise on the lowest common denominator, but the cultivation of constructive controversies that expand the transformative capacity of public debate. “Moderate” voices merit greater visibility, provided moderation is redefined as openness to diverse viewpoints and willingness to engage antagonists respectfully. Radical ideas deserve attention if they address root causes of democratic or ecological crises. This approach limits verbal aggression: anger may be legitimate when grounded in real injustices but becomes counterproductive when it alienates undecided audiences or primarily provokes backlash. This lens has different implications for different actor groups. It also concerns us as researches and first and foremost urges us to not shy away to evaluate communication in its social contexts and be transparent about our own values.