What Is the Dignity Index?
It’s a numerical scale from 1 to 8 that rates the tone of political or public language.
Developed by the Dignity Movement, supported by organizations like the Utah-based nonprofit Unite, in collaboration with scholars, conflict mediators, and civic leaders. Inspired by research into conflict resolution, language psychology, and moral framing.
The Dignity Index Scale
Score Description Language Tone
Score Description Language Tone
1–2 Highly contemptuous Dehumanizing, hateful, demonizing
3–4 Polarizing, divisive “Us vs. Them,” labeling, sarcastic
5–6 Neutral to constructive Disagreement with respect
7–8 Highly dignified and respectful Acknowledges shared humanity, open-mindedness
3–4 Polarizing, divisive “Us vs. Them,” labeling, sarcastic
5–6 Neutral to constructive Disagreement with respect
7–8 Highly dignified and respectful Acknowledges shared humanity, open-mindedness
Example:
Score 2: “They are evil and must be stopped at all costs.”
Score 6: “I strongly disagree with their views, but I understand their concerns.”
Score 8: “Even though we differ, I believe we can learn from each other.
Score 2: “They are evil and must be stopped at all costs.”
Score 6: “I strongly disagree with their views, but I understand their concerns.”
Score 8: “Even though we differ, I believe we can learn from each other.
Goals of the Dignity Index
Highlight dignity in discourse, not just fact-checking or censorship.
Help voters, leaders, and media recognize how language escalates or heals division.
Encourage political and civic actors to speak in ways that unite rather than divide.
Highlight dignity in discourse, not just fact-checking or censorship.
Help voters, leaders, and media recognize how language escalates or heals division.
Encourage political and civic actors to speak in ways that unite rather than divide.
How It’s Used
The Dignity Index adds a moral and emotional dimension to political analysis:
Goes beyond “fact vs. lie” and looks at tone, intent, and social impact.
Encourages accountability without censorship.
The Dignity Index is not about what you say — it’s about how you say it.
By making dignity measurable, it invites leaders and citizens to speak with respect, empathy, and humanity, even in deep disagreement.
The Dignity Index adds a moral and emotional dimension to political analysis:
Goes beyond “fact vs. lie” and looks at tone, intent, and social impact.
Encourages accountability without censorship.
The Dignity Index is not about what you say — it’s about how you say it.
By making dignity measurable, it invites leaders and citizens to speak with respect, empathy, and humanity, even in deep disagreement.
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