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Blessing or Curse for Congruence? How Interest Mobilization Affects Congruence between Citizens and Elected Representatives
[journal article]
Abstract This article examines the role of interest mobilization in strengthening or weakening congruence between elected representatives and citizens on EU policy issues. It argues that the relationship between public opinion, interest groups and elected politicians can be theorized as a selective transmiss... view more
This article examines the role of interest mobilization in strengthening or weakening congruence between elected representatives and citizens on EU policy issues. It argues that the relationship between public opinion, interest groups and elected politicians can be theorized as a selective transmission process. We expect interest groups to strengthen congruence between citizens and elected representatives who share their ideological views. To test our hypotheses we conducted a content analysis of statements made in eight European news outlets on a sample of 13 policy issues and combined this with Eurobarometer polls. Our results indicate that elected representatives from leftist parties are more congruent with left-wing voters when civil society mobilizes, while the prevalence of corporate lobby groups strengthens congruence between rightist politicians and their constituents. These findings contribute to our understanding of the role of interest groups in political representation and democratic governance.... view less
Keywords
Eurobarometer; law and order; EU; EU policy; pressure group; citizen; representative; public opinion
Classification
Political Process, Elections, Political Sociology, Political Culture
European Politics
Free Keywords
European public policy; congruence; representation
Document language
English
Publication Year
2021
Page/Pages
p. 909-928
Journal
JCMS Journal of Common Market Studies, 59 (2021) 4
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcms.13146
ISSN
1468-5965
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed