Social Structure, Value‐Orientations, and the Party System: The Problem of Interest Accommodation in Western Democracies

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe relationship between social structure, value‐orientation, and party system is discussed on the basis of a comparative analysis of Austria, Great Britain, the United States and West Germany. The focus is on two central themes: the cultural interpretation of interest‐conflicts which are imposed by social structure, and the correspondence between value‐orientations and the party system. Both micro‐and macro‐level analyses are performed. The cultural interpretation of interest‐conflicts is traced back to the Left‐Right dimension and to the materialist‐postmaterialist dimension. Two different developmental tendencies lead to the prediction of growing tensions between value‐orientations and party systems. The old Left proves to be more materialistic in the formulation of its political goals; it is also more conservative in the selection of means to attain these goals. In contrast, the new Left is postmaterialistic, and progressive in its forms of participation. This constellation poses an overwhelming integrative task, especially for the parties of the Left.