The Transformation of the New Deal Party System: Social Groups, Political Ideology, and Changing Partisanship among Northern Whites, 1972-1988

In: Political behavior, Band 14, Heft 3, S. 213-237

Abstract

The white electorate in the northern US shifted its allegiance away from the Democratic party in the last two decades. An investigation of this shift focuses on the comparative role played by social-group membership & political ideology in shaping partisanship, based on an analysis of National Election Studies data. Trends in black & southern white electorates are also examined. It is found that political ideology played the major role in the partisan transformation among northern whites. Findings indicate that: (1) there is a widespread tightening of the connection between ideology & partisanship across social groups; & (2) conservatives far outnumber liberals. 14 Tables. Adapted from the source document.