Research Handbook on Political Partisanship

The strength of partisanship is a matter of historic importance and debate in modern democracies. Based on cutting-edge global data, the Research Handbook on Political Partisanship argues that partisanship is down, but not out, in contemporary societies. Contributors focus on four key areas of research: the role and importance of partisanship for democratic rule; how to measure and secure data on partisanship; explanations of the origins and development of partisanship; and the effects of partisanship on citizens' attitudes and behaviours, and on the function of democratic systems. Engaging with key contemporary debates, from the rise of right-wing populist parties to the effects of digitalization partisanship, this timely Research Handbook highlights the significance of political partisanship not only in the present but for the future of democracies internationally. Featuring contributions from leading scholars, this book is critical for graduate students of political science and sociology, as well as for advanced researchers investigating elections and electorates, voter trends and contemporary political parties. Policymakers and political consultants will also benefit from its insights into the political engagement of voters and the future of party-based democracy.