Identites sociales et comportement electoral

In: Res publica: politiek-wetenschappelijk tijdschrift van de Lage Landen ; driemaandelijks tijdschrift, Band 32, Heft 1, S. 63-79

Abstract

The hypothesis that rational choice theory cannot account for individual voting behavior, unless the act of voting is taken as asserting an individual identification with some collective entity, is examined through an analysis of two surveys of voters (N = 1,000) in the French-speaking Walloon region of Belgium. Strengths of associations between six categories of collective identity (as European, Belgian, francophone, Walloon, subregional, & individual) & four categories of voting pattern by party (Ecological, Socialist, Christian Socialist, & Liberal) are examined in a loglinear analysis. Results show that all but two indicators of collective identity (European & francophone) are significant predictors of voting behavior by party. Ecological Party voters show the weakest collective identity, & robust associations are present between: Belgian identity & Liberal Party; Walloon & subregional identities & Socialist Party; & individualist identity & Christian Socialist Party. Some bipolar effects are also in evidence. 6 Tables. A. Levine