The Rise of New Age Tribalism

In this article, I will put aside my political and ideological viewpoints regarding the U.S. presidential election outcome. Instead, I will analyze the results through the curious lens of a researcher of people, culture, and change. It is essential to acknowledge that not all change that happens around us is desirable, palatable, or agreeable. However, it is crucial to observe, interpret, and understand such change.

While this post does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the election outcome, it offers a perspective grounded in a broader, global context. Through this lens, I argue that the world is witnessing a resurgence of tribalism — a phenomenon that has implications for societies and democracies around the globe.

As we explore the consequences of this new-age tribalism and its potential impact on democracy, it is essential to consider the importance of fostering open dialogue and understanding between different groups. Only by doing so can we uphold democratic values and work towards a more inclusive future.

Tribalism refers to the behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group. In a modern context, tribalism can be understood as an inclination to prioritize and defend the interests, values, and beliefs of one’s own group over those of others. While it can foster a sense of unity and cohesion within a group, tribalism can also lead to exclusion, prejudice, and conflict between different groups.

Key aspects of tribalism include:

1. In-group favoritism: Tribalism often involves favoring members of one’s own group and attributing positive qualities to them, while being more skeptical or critical of people from other groups.
2. Group identity: Individuals within a tribe or group typically share common traits, beliefs, customs, and values, which contribute to a collective identity.
3. Us vs. Them mentality: Tribalism can create an “us versus them” mindset, where the interests and perspectives of one’s own group are seen as fundamentally different and sometimes even in opposition to those of other groups.
4. Competition and conflict: As a result of prioritizing in-group interests, tribalism can lead to competition and conflict between different groups over resources, power, or status.

Tribalism can manifest in various aspects of life, including politics, sports, religion, and cultural activities.

When tribalism becomes prevalent in various segments of society, certain traits and behaviors tend to become more visible, while others may weaken or diminish. Here are some traits that often surface and those that may decline:

Traits that surface:

1. Group polarization: As tribalism increases, people may become more entrenched in their group’s views, leading to greater polarization between different groups.
2. Identity-based politics: Political discourse can become more focused on group identities rather than broader policy issues or the common good.
3. Discrimination and prejudice: Tribalism can fuel biases and negative attitudes toward people from other groups, leading to increased discrimination and prejudice.
4. Conformity and groupthink: Individuals within a tribe may feel pressure to conform to the group’s beliefs and values, suppressing diverse opinions and critical thinking.

Traits that diminish:

1. Social cohesion: As tribalism intensifies, overall social cohesion can suffer, as the bonds between different groups weaken, and society becomes more fragmented.
2. Empathy and understanding: With a greater emphasis on in-group loyalty, empathy and understanding toward people from different backgrounds and perspectives may decline.
3. Collaboration and compromise: In a tribalistic environment, cooperation between groups becomes more difficult, as each group prioritizes its own interests over collective goals.
4. Civic engagement: A focus on tribal allegiances can diminish civic engagement, as people become less invested in broader societal issues and institutions.

It’s essential to recognize these potential consequences and work toward fostering an inclusive society that values diversity and cooperation.

Folk Heroes of Emerging Tribalism are Political leaders who are celebrated by their supporters for promoting and leading tribalism within their respective groups. These leaders often capitalize on existing divisions within society and use divisive rhetoric to rally their supporters behind a common cause, often at the expense of unity and social cohesion. While these leaders may be seen as heroes by their followers, their actions can contribute to increased polarization and conflict within society.

In modern society, particularly on social media platforms, there is a concerning emergence of new-age tribalism. This phenomenon manifests through the mobilization of people based on their primitive instincts rather than norms of civilized behavior. Such behavior includes fanning ridicule, hatred, and emotional abuse, using politically incorrect and hurtful language in social media, public speeches, and casual conversations.

Additional indicators of new-age tribalism include the creation of echo chambers and filter bubbles, online harassment, the rapid spread of misinformation, and the emergence of cancel culture. Addressing these trends is crucial for fostering an inclusive and tolerant society that encourages diverse perspectives and constructive dialogue.

It’s important to note that making a sweeping statement about any particular individual, including a former president, requires a nuanced understanding of their actions, policies, and the context in which they were made. However, from a political and social science perspective, it’s generally acknowledged that the 2016 election and the rise of Donald Trump as president were significant events in the United States’ recent history, which included the mobilization of supporters based on populist and nationalist themes. Some political analysts have argued that the rise of Trump and his rhetoric tapped into the existing divisions within the country and exacerbated tribalism in some ways.

I acknowledge that political events and movements are complex and multifaceted, and that various factors and perspectives can influence people’s perceptions and analysis of them. While presenting these musings I want to approach this discussions with caution and a commitment to understanding the full context and implications of political developments.

While I have referred to Donald Trump as a symbol of new-age tribalism, I leave the analysis of his political success or Kamala Harris’s defeat to political pundits. My primary focus in writing this article is to shed light on the emergence of tribalism across the world and within various communities.

This phenomenon is a cause for concern because it poses a threat to the very foundations of democracy and social harmony. As tribalism continues to spread, it has the potential to erode the institutional infrastructure and societal norms that are crucial for maintaining a healthy democracy. Moreover, the rise of tribalism may hinder the development of democratic thinking and behavior among citizens, leading to a potential decline in democratic values and practices.

By discussing these issues, I hope to raise awareness of the risks associated with new-age tribalism and emphasize the importance of upholding democratic principles and fostering dialogue within and between communities in an increasingly polarized world.