The dynamics of the winner–loser gap in satisfaction with democracy: Evidence from a Swedish citizen panel. Issue 5 (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dahlberg, Stefan; Linde, Jonas
• Is Part Of: International political science review. Volume 38:Issue 5(2017:Nov.)
• Page Start: 625
• Page End: 641
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Winner–loser gap -- satisfaction with democracy -- political support -- panel data -- elections -- Sweden; Political science -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0192512116649279
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-5121

Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated a gap in support for the political system between electoral winners and losers. This research has generated a large stock of knowledge about the causes and effects of this winner–loser gap. However, we know little about the dynamics of the winner–loser gap over time. Drawing on a unique Swedish panel survey, this study investigates the stability of the winner–loser gap among Swedish voters over an electoral cycle of four years. The empirical analyses demonstrate a substantial consistency of the gap over time also when controlling for other determinants. The winner–loser gap thus seems to be a stable phenomenon rather than a short-lived election effect. The results are robust to different specifications and statistical techniques.