Toxic polarization and wellbeing:A comparative analysis of South Asia

Does political polarization affect individual wellbeing? How does polarization generated through hate speech impacts individuals and communities health? In this study I probe such questions through a comparative analysis of South Asia. Using quantitative data on happiness, peace, civil liberties and related variables, I show a causal relation between the societal wellbeing and the rise of hate speech causing toxic polarization.  While the effects of polarization on democracy have been well-researched, its impact on individuals and communities' wellbeing remains under explored. This is critical as the health of states and political institutions is directly related to the wellbeing of their citizenry. Reinforcing the intrinsic relationship between polarization and wellbeing, the paper contributes to the ongoing political discourse in deeply stratified societies by underlining the interrelation between social identity, experiences of polarization and impact on health.