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Data-Driven Campaigning in Data-Dense Small Multiparty Systems: A Party-Level Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Anamaria Dutceac Segesten

    (Center for Language and Literature, Lund University, Sweden)

  • Linn Sandberg

    (Department of Comparative Politics, University of Bergen, Norway)

Abstract

This study examines data-driven campaign (DDC) practices in Sweden. We explore the extent of data-driven practices adopted in Swedish political campaigns, and parties’ motivations to adopt them. Since this is a comparison of domestic parties, we test the importance of four party-level factors—resources, structure, attitudes toward data use, and ideology—using extensive interviews with key campaign managers in Sweden during the 2022 election year. Our results show that the differences among the eight parties studied are rather small, and that systemic factors are more important than party variables to explain the adoption of data-driven approaches. Zooming in on these finer differences we distinguish between top DDC adopters (Social Democrats, Center, and Conservatives) and a lower tier with lower levels of DDC implementation. To explain the differences between the two tiers, we find that economic resources are important, with richer parties being more advanced in DDC use. Party structure, attitudes to data, and ideology do not affect the likelihood of a Swedish party using data analytics in their strategic decision-making. Instead, we suggest party type (catch-all vs. niche) is a potentially more useful party-level factor in explaining variation.

Suggested Citation

  • Anamaria Dutceac Segesten & Linn Sandberg, 2024. "Data-Driven Campaigning in Data-Dense Small Multiparty Systems: A Party-Level Analysis," Media and Communication, Cogitatio Press, vol. 12.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:meanco:v12:y:2024:a:8634
    DOI: 10.17645/mac.8634
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meyer, Thomas M. & Wagner, Markus, 2016. "Issue Engagement in Election Campaigns The Impact of Electoral Incentives and Organizational Constraints," Political Science Research and Methods, Cambridge University Press, vol. 4(3), pages 555-571, September.
    2. 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.
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