This year—or indeed any year—there may be some especially difficult conversations if the discussion turns to politics. Peter T. Coleman, director of the Morton Deutsch International Center for Cooperation and Conflict Resolution at Columbia’s Teachers College, offers advice.
“This is probably not a time to work out a problem with a particularly contentious family member or a particularly contentious friend unless the relationship can tolerate it,” he said.
Coleman (TC’97), a professor of psychology and education, teaches courses in conflict resolution theory, social psychology and social science research. He believes the U.S. is now more polarized than at any time since 1879, shortly after Reconstruction and a very divisive Congressional election.
“Policy issues such as gun control, abortion, immigration, and so on have become highly correlated within camps,” he said. “We’re oversimplifying the world in dangerous ways and not paying attention to real problems we’re facing. It’s just whether your team supports it or not.”