Contextual and Individual Factors in Electoral Research

Abstract

Although empirical studies of electoral behaviour often focus solemnly on micro level aspects like the voter's party identification or political interest, it is widely agreed that the impact of these factors can vary between groups or nations. Recent research shows that contextual factors often have a systematic and complex effect on voting behaviour. These factors can be summarized as „political opportunity structures“ that include short-, medium- as well as long-term contextual variables. Especially in comparative studies, taking these macro level factors into account adds substantial value to cross-country and cross-regional analyses. Advanced multilevel techniques allow the modelling of interactions and determining the impact of the different levels of explanation. Questions addressed in this panel include: How can contextual factors be categorized? How persistent are they? Which contextual factors are especially relevant for explaining electoral decisions? We welcome submissions analysing the relationship between contextual factors and voting behaviour empirically as well as theoretical submissions that describe the interactions of the different levels. Papers could examine institutional factors like the electoral system or federal structures as well as mid-term factors e.g. the structure, change and polarization of party systems, party shares and the competition between political parties. Contributions dealing with macroeconomic variables like the general state of the economy, social disparities, unemployment rates, or cultural factors such as religiosity on the macro level are encouraged as well. Papers using multilevel analyses are especially welcome.

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