How iron is the iron law of oligarchy?

Abstract

Abstract. Probably the most famous dictum about parties' internal structures is Robert Michels' ‘iron law of oligarchy’. Over the past two decades, however, the societal context within which parties are embedded has begun to change which may alter the psychological premise upon which Michels’ law is based. More specifically, we hypothesize that New Politics proponents within established parties are disproportionately likely to rely on cues from local party branches, instead of leadership cues, in forming issue positions on intra‐party controversies. Accordingly, this paper analyzes the influence of New Politics issues on the leadership‐constituency views of party delegates within fifty‐two West European parties. In addition, we analyze the relative contribution of party ideology and party structures to the evolution of mean party support for NP policies and constituency orientations. The data base for this paper is a unique study of convention delegates conducted in all major West European parties, and a study of party characteristics. We find that New Politics supporters, especially within socialist parties, are predisposed to emphasize the representation of their local party constituency, in case the views of local party branches and a party's national leadership clash. We assess the implications of this research for parties and party theories, especially Michels' law.