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Subjective Well-Being and Populist Voting in the Netherlands

Author

Listed:
  • Martijn J. Burger

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam
    Open University of the Netherlands
    University of Johannesburg)

  • Susanna Eiselt

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

Abstract

This study analyzes whether subjective well-being can explain the populist vote in the Netherlands. Using data on voting intention and subjective well-being for over 7700 individuals from 2008 to 2019—a period during which populist parties became well-established in the Netherlands—we estimate logit and multinomial logit random effects regressions. We find evidence of an association between decreased subjective well-being and the probability to vote for a populist party that goes beyond changes in dissatisfaction with society—lack of confidence in parliament, democracy and the economy—and ideological orientation. At the same time, we find no evidence for a relationship between subjective well-being and voting for other non-incumbent parties other than populist parties.

Suggested Citation

  • Martijn J. Burger & Susanna Eiselt, 2023. "Subjective Well-Being and Populist Voting in the Netherlands," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(7), pages 2331-2352, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:24:y:2023:i:7:d:10.1007_s10902-023-00685-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00685-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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