Work

The Anxious Middle Class: Risk of Downward Mobility and Support for Radical Right Parties across Western Europe

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship between economic insecurity of the middle class and support for radical right parties (RRP) in 13 Western European countries. Economic insecurity is conceptualised as the occupational risk of downward mobility. To capture the potential mitigating effects of upward mobility prospects and a growing middle class on economic insecurity, I compute a novel index that incorporates the other two dynamics in addition to the risk of downward mobility. I find that economic insecurity differs across occupational groups and countries. Both measures are positively correlated with RRP support. The results highlight that the decline of the middle class has implications for the political sphere.

Source: Review of Income and Wealth

DOI: 10.1111/roiw.12715

Author: Judith Derndorfer

Institutions: Vienna University of Economics and Business, Chamber of Labour

Language: English

Topic: Populism, Right-Wing Movements

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,140