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Preference‐shaping: an Empirical Test

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  • Rune Stubager

Abstract

According to Downs, parties are forced to accommodate the preferences of the voters in order to win elections. However, Dunleavy and Ward argue that it is also possible for a party to use preference‐shaping strategies to bring the preferences of the voters in line with the party’s position. Using structural equation modelling, preference‐shaping theory is tested in relation to the effect of sales of council houses and shares in privatised companies on the electorate’s attitudes to economic policies under the 1979–92 Conservative governments in Britain. The analyses provide little support for preference‐shaping theory, which seems in need of respecification if it is to be maintained.

Suggested Citation

  • Rune Stubager, 2003. "Preference‐shaping: an Empirical Test," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 51(2), pages 241-261, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:polstu:v:51:y:2003:i:2:p:241-261
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-9248.00422
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anthony Downs, 1957. "An Economic Theory of Political Action in a Democracy," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 65(2), pages 135-135.
    2. Saunders, Peter, 1995. "Privatization, Share Ownership and Voting," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 25(1), pages 131-137, January.
    3. Dunleavy, Patrick, 1979. "The Urban Basis of Political Alignment: Social Class, Domestic Property Ownership, and State Intervention in Consumption Processes," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 9(4), pages 409-443, October.
    4. Dunleavy, Patrick & Ward, Hugh, 1981. "Exogenous Voter Preferences and Parties with State Power: Some Internal Problems of Economic Theories of Party Competition," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(3), pages 351-380, July.
    5. Page, Benjamin I. & Jones, Calvin C., 1979. "Reciprocal Effects of Policy Preferences, Party Loyalties and the Vote," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 73(4), pages 1071-1089, December.
    6. Gerber, Elisabeth R. & Jackson, John E., 1993. "Endogenous Preferences and the Study of Institutions," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 87(3), pages 639-656, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Carlsson, Magnus & Dahl, Gordon B. & Rooth, Dan-Olof, 2021. "Backlash in policy attitudes after the election of an extreme political party," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).

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