Επιλογές ψήφου εν μέσω "διασταυρούμενων πυρών": Oι αντιτιθέμενες επιδράσεις κοινωνικών χαρακτηριστικών

Abstract

This paper seeks to advance our understanding of 'cross-pressures’, a concept recognised in Lipset’s earliest studies of American voting, by identifying the consequences of cross-pressures on electoral turnout in the case of Greece. Although we confirm previous studies of other cases which suggest that cross-pressures are of little, if any consequence, for political participation, we then argue that the use of alternative measures of ‘cross-pressures’ might have well confirmed Lipset’s initial hypotheses, Based on the argument that it is the actual, as opposed to inferred exposure to cross-pressures that affect participation, this study suggests that the heterogeneity of one’s social networks would provide a better measure of potential political conflict and would also allow insight into potential processes of influence. Last, but not least, the paper argues that electoral abstention is not the only way in which people exposed to a variety of cues about political attitudes resolve the discomfort they experience; third-party vote may well be considered as a likely consequence of cross-cutting networks.