Partisanship, Membership and Activism

Abstract

This panel investigates the demand and offer of various linkage options between citizens and parties, from mere party identification to several affiliation options. From the individual citizen’s perspective, the panel innovates in the study of why joining parties by distinguishing between various types of affiliation and various time points in the electoral cycle. The panel looks at whether the same determinants apply across these settings, and how differences in motivations for joining may affect the prospects of affiliates. From the parties’ perspective, the panel questions how parties manage affiliation and what role they envision for affiliates once they have joined. It investigates how these party decisions affect mobilization levels. It also analyses how context matters and creates constraints and opportunities for parties and, in return, makes partisanship more or less attractive to individual citizens. The panel combines case studies and comparative perspectives from various democracies (Europe, North America and Asia).