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The Dynamics of Voters’ Left/Right Identication: The Role of Economic and Cultural Attitudes
[The Dynamics of Voters’ Left/Right Identification: The Role of Economic and Cultural Attitudes]

Author

Listed:
  • De Vries, Catherine E.
  • Hakhverdian, Armen
  • Lancee, Bram

Abstract

The mobilization of culturally rooted issues has altered political competition throughout Western Europe. This article analyzes to what extent the mobilization of immigration issues has affected how people identify with politics. Specifically, it analyzes whether voters' left/right self-identifications over the past 30 years increasingly correspond to cultural rather than economic attitudes. This study uses longitudinal data from the Netherlands between 1980 and 2006 to demonstrate that as time progresses, voters' left/right self-placements are indeed more strongly determined by anti-immigrant attitudes than by attitudes towards redistribution. These findings show that the issue basis of left/right identification is dynamic in nature and responsive to changes in the political environment.

Suggested Citation

  • De Vries, Catherine E. & Hakhverdian, Armen & Lancee, Bram, 2013. "The Dynamics of Voters’ Left/Right Identication: The Role of Economic and Cultural Attitudes [The Dynamics of Voters’ Left/Right Identification: The Role of Economic and Cultural Attitudes]," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 1(2), pages 223-238.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:espost:343014
    DOI: 10.1017/psrm.2013.4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anthony Downs, 1957. "An Economic Theory of Political Action in a Democracy," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 65(2), pages 135-135.
    2. Simon, Herbert A., 1985. "Human Nature in Politics: The Dialogue of Psychology with Political Science," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 79(2), pages 293-304, June.
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