Socio-Economic Conditions and Party Politics in Japan: A Statistical Analysis of the 1969 General Election

In: The journal of politics: JOP, Band 33, Heft 1, S. 158-179

Abstract

11 independent variables selected to represent SE attributes of prefectures comprise a useful measurement for explaining the considerable variations in party votes. R coefficients & regression equations permit the statistical inference that prefectural econ & soc conditions have signif'ly influenced the slow erosion of traditional conservative strongholds in villages, the recent setbacks of Socialist forces in cities, the rapid expansion of minor pol'al parties, & the gradual disintegration of the "one-and-one-half party system." It is suggested that if Japan continues to enjoy high levels of econ prosperity & pol'al freedom, the early signs of a multiparty system in the metropolitan centers & most highly Ur'ized areas may be a harbinger of the evolution of the party system during the 1970's. IPSA.