How Context Influences Political Behaviour

Abstract

Traditionally, comparative political scientists have paid more attention to identifying the individual level factors that explain citizens' attitudes and behaviours. However, over the last few years the notion that people do not live in a vacuum and that context and behaviour are closely connected has been fully acknowledged and research has proven that the context in which an individual lives influences his/her political behaviours and attitudes. A thriving literature of context effects on political behaviour has developed, showing that political systems, electoral rules, time, levels of government and territorial variables deeply affect electoral behaviour. Context affects different people in different ways. Therefore, in order to reach a better knowledge of electoral behaviour and electoral choices it is crucial to understand the interplay between context and individual level variables. Understanding how context influences political behaviour is necessary in order to reach both a more substantial and more solid methodological knowledge. In terms of substance, this will enhance our understanding of the electoral connection between voters and parties, while from a methodological point of view assessing the effects of context is essential in order to improve comparative studies. In this panel we welcome papers investigating how contextual effects (in a broad sense) influence political behaviour and the process of electoral choice.