Political participation profiles

Abstract

The literature on the participation paradox, stealth democracy, political transformation and populism implicitly refers to the existence of different participation profiles, but its empirical evidence focuses on separate actions. While several studies have examined the existence of distinct combinations of actions, such participation profiles have rarely been placed within a theoretical framework or connected to the motivations and resources that shape participation. In this article these connections are given a theoretical basis and empirically tested via latent class analysis of a unique set of 12 different political activities. After establishing the participation profiles, it is assessed how political motivations (e.g. interest, efficacy) and resources (time and skills) explain profile membership by using fractional multinomial logistic regression models. Combining these two steps helps to reassess what levels of political participation actually imply for the functioning of our democracies. Crucially, the participation elite is small; faithful voters are numerous but not particularly engaged; and systemically dissatisfied citizens tend to disengage – only a few try to transform the system. Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at: https://doi.org/10.1080/01402382.2021.2017612 .