Date of Award
4-13-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Political Science, MA
First Advisor
Rollin Tusalem
Committee Members
Hans Hacker; Jacob Ausderan
Call Number
LD 251 .A566t 2016 M56
Abstract
Scholars have studied the importance of political participation for maintaining democratic institutions. Atomization theory, however, suggests that as economic freedom increases, there will be a demobilization of political participation. This thesis tests atomization theory using global voter turnout data. Using data derived from IDEA and the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) Index, I provide a test of the relationship between economic freedom and democratic participation. The results of the cross-sectional, time-series analysis of voter turnout data in presidential and legislative elections for 136 countries reveals economic freedom defined as size of government decreases voter turnout in legislative elections. This relationship loses significance in presidential elections. Economic freedom interpreted as strong property rights protection mobilizes voter participation in all models.
Rights Management
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Moy, Bryant James, "Economic Freedom's Clash with Participatory Democracy" (2016). Student Theses and Dissertations. 627.
https://arch.astate.edu/all-etd/627
