How to Navigate Different Political Views and Moral Beliefs in Relationships

Aristotle once stated that “Politics is ‘master science’”: the most important activity through which human beings attempt to improve their lives and create the Good Society. Politics is, above all, a social activity. It is always a dialogue, and never a monologue. Defining politics further, it is a human “activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which they live.”

Understanding Conflict and Cooperation

Politics involves both conflict and cooperation. On the one hand, the existence of rival opinions, different wants, competing needs and opposing interests leads to disagreement about the rules under which people live. On the other hand, people recognize that, in order to influence these rules or ensure that they are maintained, they must work with others. Politics for Hannah Arendt means “acting in concert.” Thus, politics is often described as a process of conflict resolution, in which rival views or competing interests are reconciled with one another.

Managing Differing Views Among Roommates

If you are living with roommates, you are more than likely to disagree on a variety of topics. While it’s not super comfortable to come into disagreement with your roommates, it is to be expected when multiple individuals are constantly in close quarters. Whether your roommate is a close friend or not, there is always the chance that you and your roommates will have different political views. One roommate may be liberal, but another roommate may be conservative. Varying political views — whatever they may be — can create plenty of tension between roommates.

To maintain a healthy living environment, consider these tips:

Maintain Respect for One Another: Regardless of how well you and your roommates get along without politics in the picture, placing you both in a conversation about politics can morph you into nothing more than bickering strangers.
Keep Living and Common Spaces Neutral: You do not want to shove your political views down your throat by decorating your shared spaces with political gear.
Agree to Disagree: You may consider just agreeing to disagree on politics for the sake of maintaining a neutral setting in your living space.
Remain Calm: If you do find yourself discussing politics with your roommate, remain calm and respectful.

Young People and the Intersection of Morals and Politics

Most young people, regardless of political ideology, say they would not let political differences get in the way of their relationship with a friend or family member. In 2024, Springtide surveyed 6,669 young people, ages 13 to 25, to learn how they feel about politics. Some young people explain that they care more about people than political issues. However, political views can reveal underlying morals. Ileana (21, moderate) explains: “There’s just certain things, like human rights.… that can’t be justifiable, you know, from just a moral standpoint.”

Key Data on Young People and Political Differences

52% of young people disagree or strongly disagree that they would stop speaking to someone if they strongly opposed their political views.
49% of young people believe that political differences should be discussed openly.
58% of young people agree or strongly agree that it is possible to have a close relationship with someone who doesn’t agree with them on political issues.
12% of young people agree they would stop speaking to someone over political opposition, while only 5% strongly agree.

Navigating Politics within Bipartisan Marriages

When Trump was elected President in 2016, 1 in 10 couples ended relationships over their political differences. Despite the volatility of the times, nearly 30% of married households are bipartisan. Couples who actively maintain their relationship are better able to “weather the storm” of an election because they build up positive emotions that protect the relationship during difficult times. Many long-married couples have navigated these waters for years by focusing on why they married their spouse in the first place.

The following strategies can help protect a marriage from political conflict:

Avoid trying to change your spouse: Trying to get your spouse to change will only create angst in your marriage.
Focus on shared interests: Many couples have many interests other than politics that they enjoy doing together like fishing, cooking and learning about history.
Rein in negativity: The more you think negative thoughts about your differences, the more you teach your brain to think negatively about your spouse.
Put safeguards in place: Agree that you aren’t going to talk about politics and you for sure are not going to chide your spouse about their political persuasion.

Remember that your marriage is more important than many differences you have, including politics. Differing opinions and perspectives can offer depth and the ability to practice empathy in a relationship.