Popular Support for Democracy in Unified Germany

Critical Democrats
1. Auflage 2019
ISBN: 978-3-030-03791-8
Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 263 Seiten, Format (B × H): 153 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 478 g

Reihe: New Perspectives in German Political Studies

This book examines attitudes towards democracy in the Federal Republic of Germany. By drawing on extensive survey evidence, it charts Germans’ changing views of the political system prior to and following unification. The study examines four aspects of the political system: how it functions overall, attitudes towards the Basic Law, trust in representative institutions, and views of the European Union. Rather than accepting or rejecting democracy, the research shows how Germans merge shades of criticism and support. In addition, it pinpoints the factors that condition support, showing how it is influenced by durable and changeable stimuli. Overall, the findings challenge suggestions of a crisis of democracy but they also demonstrate that support is particularly low towards aspects of the European Union. This book appeals to readers interested in public opinion and democracy in Germany, along with those interested in the changing relationship between citizens and the state.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Campbell, Ross

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Studien zu einzelnen Ländern und Gebieten
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen Europäische Union, Europapolitik
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politikwissenschaft Allgemein Politische Geschichte
• Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Weltgeschichte & Geschichte einzelner Länder und Gebietsräume Deutsche Geschichte
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Kultur Politische Soziologie und Psychologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Politische Systeme Demokratie
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Ethnologie Kultur- und Sozialethnologie: Politische Ethnologie, Recht, Organisation, Identität

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1: Introduction.- Chapter 2: Theories of Popular Support for Democracy.- Chapter 3: Designing the Research: From Concept to Measures and Methods.- Chapter 4: Mapping Popular Support for Democracy in Germany.- Chapter 5: Evaluative Support and the Functioning of Democracy in Germany.- Chapter 6: Affective Support and Constitutional Patriotism.- Chapter 7: Trust in Democratic Institutions: Evidence and Explanations Beyond Unification.- Chapter 8: Trust in the EU and Governing without Consensus.- Chapter 9: Popular Support and German Democracy; Resilience and Restoration.

Über Autor(innen)

Ross Campbell is Senior Lecturer in Political Science at the University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, UK. His research focuses on the politics of the Federal Republic of Germany and he has published widely on attitudes towards democracy, electoral behaviour and political participation. His recent articles have appeared in the European Journal of Political Research, International Political Science Review, German Politics and Contemporary Politics. He is a member of the editorial board for the Journal for Contemporary European Studies.