Social conflicts meet subjective deprivation: The complex determinants of democratic preferences

Recent studies have shown that citizens’ regime preferences are the result of a complex combination of deeply rooted values, socialization and lifeworlds as well as a pragmatic analysis of real-world problems. This paper combines and disentangles the contribution of these different aspects to democratic preference formation by examining relevant social conflicts. Using a representative survey from Germany and the US, we connect old cleavages with a combination of new cleavage theory and democratic principles (a democratic values system) on the one hand and subjective life situation (problem perceptions and feelings of being seen/heard) on the other hand. Based on a complex analysis we argue that regime preferences are shaped by an individual’s (1) objective life world, as well as new social conflicts namely (2) subjective perception of the life world and (3) deeply seated norms and views of the world. We start from the point that an individual’s social situation shapes their democratic values system (e. g. cosmopolitan/communitarian attitudes and democratic principles). Furthermore, it translates into individual perceived socio-economic realities and therefore the subjective life situation (e. g. subjective deprivation). While both factors have been proven to have an impact on regime preferences, the combination of these factors and their exact relationship rarely has been studied. By combining these factors, we analyze the contribution of old cleavages (on objective life situations), democratic values system (including new cleavages) and subjective life situation on regime preferences. We expect a direct effect of socio-economic realities on regime preferences but also a mediation by democratic value systems and subjective life situation. This allows us to answer questions like: How can we explain the much-studied mechanism between social structure and political preferences? What part do the democratic values system and subjective life situation play in this relationship? The paper makes a contribution in that it combines cleavage theory with other factors (democratic values and problem perceptions) and connects these to regime preferences. It speaks to both the role of social conflicts as well as of values, perceived problems and subjective feelings of deprivation. Thereby we conceptualize the complex and multifaceted determinants of democratic regime preferences.