Modernization and Ethnic Conflict in Belgium

In: Political studies, Band 27, Heft 1, S. 21-37

Abstract

Belgian parliamentary election returns (N = 143 cantons) & census data for 1961-1970 are analyzed to assess the relation between the support base of individual parties & the modernization level of the different regions, focusing on the status of nationalist vs unitarist parties. It is hypothesized that regional (ethnically defined) contrasts in sequence & rate of modernization have given rise to two forms of nationalism, one "cultural" & primarily based in Flanders, the other "economic" & centered in Wallonia, each reflecting nationalist party electoral support. While findings appear to support this hypothesis, they also indicate a less distinctively ethnic composition for each party as ethnic conflict escalated during this period. This development is interpreted in terms of (1) accommodative reactions on the part of established unitarian parties, & (2) attempts to widen the electoral support base within the nationalist parties themselves. 6 Tables. Modified HA.