Systemic polarisation and spatial voting

Pardos-Prado, S. and Dinas, E. (2010) Systemic polarisation and spatial voting. European Journal of Political Research, 49(6), pp. 759-786. (doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6765.2010.01918.x)

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Abstract

The controversy between proximity and directional models of issue voting has not been settled. Instead of appointing an ultimate winner, this article explores the conditioning impact of the level of systemic polarisation and provides evidence that proximity is a more relevant determinant of voter behaviour in less polarised systems, whereas there is a centrifugal and directional dynamic in more polarised contexts. By so doing, the article shows how a largely forgotten notion – namely Sartori's idea of the spatial elasticity of the political spectrum – leads to different spatial viewpoints. In distinguishing between party (supply side) and voter (demand side) polarisation, this framework provides a comprehensive picture about the conditions that turn a centripetal electoral dynamic into a purely centrifugal one.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Pardos-Prado, Professor Sergi
Authors: Pardos-Prado, S., and Dinas, E.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Politics
Journal Name:European Journal of Political Research
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:0304-4130
ISSN (Online):1475-6765
Published Online:14 September 2010

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