We Never Change, Do We? Economic Anxiety and Far‐Right Identification in a Postcrisis Europe

Sean Kates and Joshua A. Tucker

Social Science Quarterly, 2019, vol. 100, issue 2, 494-523

Abstract: Objective Macro‐level studies have consistently found a connection between economic crises and support for far‐right parties. However, research on the micro foundations for this electoral support has generally found little or no correlation between an individual's economic environment and far‐right voting. We test one possible explanation for this seeming paradox, namely, that determinants of far‐right identification differ across time and particularly in times of crisis. Methods Utilizing traditional representative data from Eurobarometer surveys in a manner that strips away confounding issues generally found in the extant literature, we directly test whether individuals concerned about their personal economic situation, or that of their country, are more likely to identify with far‐right ideological beliefs during economic crises. Results Ultimately, we find little evidence to support the claim that the Great Recession of 2007–2009 and its aftermath shifted the determinants of support for far‐right ideology, though prospective pocketbook concerns do increase the likelihood of identifying with the far right. Conclusions We discuss the implications of these findings and offer additional avenues for future research.

Date: 2019
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