The Non-Linear Dynamics of Societal Aging on Political Behavior

Despina Gavresi (), Anastasia Litina () and Sofia Tsitou ()
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Despina Gavresi: DEM, University of Luxembourg
Anastasia Litina: Department of Economics, University of Macedonia, https://www.anastasialitina.com/
Sofia Tsitou: University of Ioannina

Discussion Paper Series from Department of Economics, University of Macedonia

Abstract: This paper identifies societal aging as a key driver of populism in Europe, emphasizing the non-linear relationship between the two. Using multilevel regression analysis on individuals from 29 European countries between 2002 and 2021, we analyze how societal aging ; measured by the age dependency ratio and its square shapes populist attitudes. Drawing on ten rounds of the European Social Survey, we examine voting, trust in political institutions, and immigration attitudes. Our findings reveal a U-shaped relationship between societal aging and political behaviour. We argue that demographic structure of society influences political attitudes beyond individual aging. The results highlight the importance of accounting for non-linear demographic effects when analyzing political behavior in aging societies.

Keywords: Societal Aging; Political Behaviour; Non-Linear Dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-05, Revised 2025-05
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-pol
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