Are cross-national surveys the best way to study the extreme-right vote in Europe?

Authors: Hooghe, Marc; Reeskens, Tim

Source: Patterns of Prejudice, Volume 41, Number 2, May 2007 , pp. 177-196(20)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

In recent years, various authors have tried to develop a comprehensive explanation for the electoral success of extreme-right parties in Europe. While some authors stress individual-level factors (ethnocentrism, political cynicism, distrust), others stress macro-level variables (party strategy, electoral system). In this field of research cross-national survey data are often used to ascertain the strength of extreme-right parties and the motivation of those who vote for them. Hooghe and Reeskens question the external cross-cultural validity of these measurements, on the grounds of both response and measurement bias. Using the European Social Survey (29 observations) they find a huge diversity in the external validity of the data, with anything from 15 to 90 per cent of the electoral strength of the extreme-right party being covered in the survey. Using a multiple regression model, they identify survey response rate, voter turnout and the populist appeal of the party itself as possible causes for this selective under-representation. The only possible conclusion is that cross-national surveys do not succeed in establishing cross-cultural external validity for questions of extreme-right voting.

Keywords: cross-cultural validity; European Social Survey; extreme-right parties; survey research; voting behaviour

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00313220701265544

Publication date: 2007-05-01

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