Download full text
(external source)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.17645/pag.v7i2.1874
Exports for your reference manager
Perceptions of Referendums and Democracy: The Referendum Disappointment Gap
[journal article]
Abstract We examine the gap between perceptions of seeing referendums as an important democratic principle, versus perceiving how referendums are used in practice. We term this the "referendum disappointment" gap. We find support for referendums as a democratic principle is strongest among those most disaffe... view more
We examine the gap between perceptions of seeing referendums as an important democratic principle, versus perceiving how referendums are used in practice. We term this the "referendum disappointment" gap. We find support for referendums as a democratic principle is strongest among those most disaffected from the political system, and that the disaffected are more likely to perceive they are not given a say via referendums. We also find context-specific effects. Disappointment was greater in countries with higher corruption and income inequality. We also find higher disappointment among right-populist voters, those who distrusted politicians, and among people who viewed themselves at the bottom of society. Overall, these patterns reflect disappointment with democracy among sections of society who have a sense of not being heard that conflicts with how they expect democracy should work in principle.... view less
Keywords
democracy; direct democracy; referendum; political participation; public opinion; populism; inequality; international comparison
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
Free Keywords
political disaffection; referendums; European Social Survey (ESS) 2012-2013
Document language
English
Publication Year
2019
Page/Pages
p. 227-241
Journal
Politics and Governance, 7 (2019) 2
Issue topic
The Politics, Promise and Peril of Direct Democracy
ISSN
2183-2463
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed