Trigger Points : Inequality and Political Polarization in Contemporary Society / Steffen Mau, Thomas Lux, Linus Westheuser.

Foreword.

Preface.

1. Introduction.

2. Arenas of Inequality Conflicts.

3. Top-​Bottom Inequalities.

4. Inside-​Outside Inequalities.

5. Us-​Them Inequalities.

6. Today-​Tomorrow Inequalities.

7. Trigger Points.

8. The Social Space of Inequality Conflicts.

9. Affect and Structure.

10. The Political Space of Inequality Conflicts.

11. Politicization and Conflict in Contemporary Society.

Appendix The Wording of the Survey Items.

Today's political debates are fiercely polarized. But looking beyond the headlines, this book shows that ordinary citizens hold much more nuanced, less divided views. Drawing on rich survey data and group discussions, this work maps four major areas of conflict: migration, climate change, diversity, and economic justice. Across these conflicts, most citizens take positions that are middle-of-the-road, contradictory, or undecided. It is only certain 'trigger points' - like gendered pronouns or refugee admissions - that predictably ignite tensions and deep disagreement. Political entrepreneurs know this and weaponize trigger points for their agenda. Yet the real key to contemporary conflicts, the book argues, lies in social inequality. This is a vital work that maps today's political landscape without sensationalism, offering a fresh lens on public debate.

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