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Persuasive Populism? Estimating the Effect of Populist Messages on Political Cynicism

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  • Matthijs Rooduijn

    (Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Wouter van der Brug

    (Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Sarah L. de Lange

    (Department of Political Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Jante Parlevliet

    (Economics and Research Division, De Nederlandsche Bank, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Many European countries have seen a growth of populism in recent years. Extant research shows that populist parties are increasingly successful, and that populist messages appear more frequently in the media. This raises the question to what extent populist messages affect public opinion. The aim of this study is to assess whether populist messages fuel political cynicism by arguing that an arrogant, selfish and complacent political elite does not listen to what ordinary people find important. Moreover, it assesses whether populist messages affect only those already favourably predisposed towards populist parties, or whether it affects citizens across the board. The results of a survey experiment, conducted in the Netherlands, suggests that individuals who are exposed to populist messages are indeed more cynical afterwards than individuals who are exposed to a very similar, but more ‘neutrally formulated’ message. However, the effects seem to be restricted to supporters of populist parties.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthijs Rooduijn & Wouter van der Brug & Sarah L. de Lange & Jante Parlevliet, 2017. "Persuasive Populism? Estimating the Effect of Populist Messages on Political Cynicism," Politics and Governance, Cogitatio Press, vol. 5(4), pages 136-145.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:poango:v5:y:2017:i:4:p:136-145
    DOI: 10.17645/pag.v5i4.1124
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    References listed on IDEAS

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