Reconceptualizing Dimensions of Political Competition In Europe: A Demand-side Approach. Issue 1 (10th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wheatley, Jonathan; Mendez, Fernando
• Is Part Of: British journal of political science. Volume 51:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2021-01-10
• Subjects: Europe, -- political competition, -- political parties, -- voter studies, -- political dimensionality, -- TAN/GAL; Political science -- Periodicals; 320.05
• DOI: 10.1017/S0007123418000571
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1234

Abstract

Abstract: Scholars seeking to understand political competition in Europe have proposed various models of political dimensionality. While most scholars draw on data from the supply side of politics (political parties), demand-side (voter) studies remain few. In this article we compare the two approaches. The main difference is that while supply-side approaches suggest a single model of dimensionality that can be applied to all EU countries, demand-side approaches suggest a greater degree of divergence. In particular, the bundle of issues commonly identified by supply-side studies as TAN/GAL not only fail to form a coherent dimension when viewed from a demand-side perspective, but incorporate issues of EU integration in some (northern European) cases, but not in others.