Description
Democracy, by definition, must involve the participation of the citizenry and no form of participation is used more frequently by citizens than casting a vote at elections. Because of both the importance of elections for democracy and the fact that voting is the most common form of participation, the study of elections and electoral behaviour is one of the most extensive areas within political science. This is particularly true for the subdisciplines of political behaviour and political psychology. This thesis seminar will be devoted to questions relating to electoral behaviour.
One of the first questions that must be faced by students of elections is understanding why voters participate in elections. Rational choice theory has demonstrated that under traditional, economic definitions, voting is not a rational act. This leads to the “voting paradox”; if it is not rational, why do such high percentages of citizens nevertheless participate? To resolve this question, psychological, rather than rational choice, insights are necessary.
The second fundamental question in voting behaviour research is to attempt to understand how voters determine for which party or candidate they will vote. This single, fundamental question, compromises an extremely large number of related questions. One can, for example, look at the characteristics of the voters themselves in an attempt to understand vote choice. For example, do voters vote their social position? Do they vote on the issues? If so, how do they combine and weigh the issues? Do they choose a party or a person?
In addition to the personal characteristics of the voters, one can examine the many factors outside the voter that may influence voter’s decisions. For example, does the media in some way influence voters? Do the campaigns of the parties matter? Are voters influenced by political advertising? By debates? Does the amount of money spent have an impact? Do voters read the polls, and, if so, how do they employ the information they obtain from polls; are their choices then informed choices or are they bandwagon voters?
Study material
The research literature in this field is too vast to be covered in the thesis seminar. A short reading list will be prepared that will briefly introduce a number of topics to the participants in this thesis seminar. In addition, as quickly as possible, the student should narrow his/her area of interest and begin to read the literature related to that particular research topic.
The required reading list will be made available as soon as possible.
Examination
Part I: literature reviews; class participation; MA Thesis proposal
Part II: MA Thesis
Time table
Tuesday February 3, till May 26, 15.00 -17.00 p.m. in SA15 (except 5/5 Liberation Day) and
Thursday February 5, till May 28, 15.00 -17.00 p.m. in SA15 (except 30/4 Koninginnedag and 21/5 Ascension Day)