Hands reaching across a divide, symbolizing unity and finding common ground.

Bridging Divides: How Finding Common Ground Can Heal Our Fractured Society

Mira Elwood in Culture & Society June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover strategies to overcome polarization and foster unity, even in the most divisive times."

In today's world, it often feels like we're more divided than ever. From political disagreements to differing social values, it can be challenging to find common ground. The constant barrage of conflicting opinions in the media and online can leave us feeling isolated and hopeless about the possibility of unity.

But what if there's a way to navigate these divides and build bridges instead of walls? What if the key to healing our fractured society lies in identifying shared values and focusing on local, collaborative action? This article explores the concept of finding common ground, drawing inspiration from Julie Hanlon Rubio's book, Hope for Common Ground: Mediating the Personal and the Political in a Divided Church. While Rubio's work focuses on the Catholic Church, its principles can be applied to a wider range of social and political contexts.

We'll delve into practical strategies for overcoming polarization, fostering understanding, and creating positive change in your community. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world or simply want to make a difference, this article offers a roadmap for building a more united and compassionate future.

The Power of 'The Space Between'

Hands reaching across a divide, symbolizing unity and finding common ground.

Rubio argues that much of our division stems from focusing on the most controversial aspects of complex issues. Instead, she proposes shifting our attention to “the space between” the personal and the political. This means recognizing that many of our social problems have both individual and collective dimensions, and that solutions often lie in addressing both.

For example, consider the issue of abortion. It's a deeply divisive topic with strong opinions on both sides. However, Rubio points out that there's also widespread agreement on certain goals, such as reducing the number of unintended pregnancies and supporting pregnant women and mothers. By focusing on these shared goals, we can create programs and policies that address the root causes of abortion and provide compassionate care for all involved.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

Listen First: Before sharing your own opinions, take the time to truly understand where others are coming from. Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment.
Find Common Ground: Look for areas of agreement, even on seemingly divisive issues. Focus on shared values and goals.
Focus on Local Action: Get involved in your community and work on projects that address shared needs. This could involve volunteering, supporting local organizations, or advocating for policies that benefit everyone.
Be the Change: Model the behavior you want to see in the world. Be respectful, compassionate, and open to dialogue.

By focusing on what we have in common and working together at the local level, we can begin to heal the divides that separate us and build a more just and compassionate society. This approach offers a refreshing alternative to the constant conflict and polarization that dominate our public discourse. It reminds us that we are all human beings with shared hopes and dreams, and that we can achieve more by working together than by fighting each other.

Building a More United Future

Finding common ground is not about compromising our values or ignoring important differences. It's about recognizing our shared humanity and working together to create a better world for everyone. It requires a willingness to listen, learn, and engage in respectful dialogue, even when it's difficult. By embracing this approach, we can overcome the polarization that divides us and build a more united, compassionate, and just society.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/hor.2017.35, Alternate LINK

Title: Hope For Common Ground: Mediating The Personal And The Political In A Divided Church. By Julie Hanlon Rubio . Washington, Dc: Georgetown University Press, 2016. Xi + 242 Pages. $29.95.

Subject: Religious studies

Journal: Horizons

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: Matthew Shadle

Published: 2017-05-22

Everything You Need To Know

What does Julie Hanlon Rubio mean by focusing on 'the space between,' and how can it help bridge divides?

The concept of 'the space between,' as proposed by Julie Hanlon Rubio, suggests that instead of focusing solely on the most contentious aspects of complex issues, we should look for areas of shared understanding and agreement. This involves recognizing both the individual and collective dimensions of social problems and seeking solutions that address both. For example, even in a highly divisive issue like abortion, there can be common ground in wanting to reduce unintended pregnancies and support pregnant women. By focusing on these shared goals, constructive dialogue and action become possible. A missing key is the actual implementation of strategies in communities, which requires dedicated resources and participation from diverse groups.

What practical steps can I take to begin bridging divides and fostering unity in my community?

To start bridging divides in your community, it's important to actively listen to others without judgment, seek out common values and goals, participate in local projects that address shared needs, and model respectful and compassionate behavior. Find areas of agreement and focus on those. Even on issues where there is strong disagreement, there may be shared values or goals. By focusing on these shared values, it is possible to find common ground and build bridges. The article does not mention identifying and addressing the root causes of division, such as socioeconomic disparities or historical injustices, which are crucial for sustainable solutions.

Does finding common ground mean compromising my values, and how can I still stand for what I believe in?

Finding common ground isn't about abandoning one's own principles, but rather about identifying shared values and working together towards common goals. It is important to be respectful and open to dialogue, even when it's difficult. Differences and disagreements remain, and it's about choosing to work together despite that. It calls for a willingness to understand different perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue. However, the article does not address the challenges of power imbalances and how to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in the process of finding common ground.

How does Julie Hanlon Rubio's work apply outside of religious contexts, and what are its limitations?

Julie Hanlon Rubio's 'Hope for Common Ground' primarily focuses on the Catholic Church but it suggests the principles can be applied to a wider range of social and political contexts. The core idea of finding common ground can be applied across different settings. Her work addresses division, focusing on shared values. This approach to divisive topics is beneficial for social and political environments. One limitation is the lack of discussion on adapting these principles to different cultural contexts and belief systems, which is essential for broader applicability.

How can focusing on local action help to overcome polarization, and what are the implications for broader social and political issues?

Overcoming polarization by focusing on local action means addressing shared needs within your community through collaborative projects. This could involve volunteering, supporting local organizations, or advocating for policies that benefit everyone. This approach has the potential to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, which can then extend to broader social and political issues. The article does not fully explore the challenges of scaling up local initiatives to address systemic issues and the importance of building networks and coalitions across different communities.