Affinity towards right-wing extremism in western Europe

In: West European politics, Band 11, Heft Apr 88

Abstract

Right-wing radicalism may be expressed by actual voting, by voting intentions or by a specific attitude syndrome. Since voting behaviour is neither the only nor the best indicator of an affinity towards right-wing radicalism this affinity is tested by a multiple-indicator approach. Shows that right-wing radicalism is more widespread than could be expected from an analysis of voting patterns alone. Findings fit neatly into a complex theory of right-wing extremist parties as an almost ubiquitous phenomenon which is not only rooted in social structure and the strains of modern society but also in a particular kind of personality structure. (Abstract amended)