The interaction between the changing electorate demands and the dynamics of the personalization of candidate campaigns

CESPOL

The interaction between the changing electorate demands and the dynamics of the personalization of candidate campaigns within the changing institutional opportunity structures in Belgium

Promoteurs : Lieven De Winter, Pierre Baudewyns
Chercheurs: Maximilien Cogels
Fianancement : FNRS Aspirant

While personalization of politics is commonly assumed, it lacks empirical verification and a common ground of research. The purpose of this research is to study and to clarify the current conceptual ambiguities, establish a solid theoretical framework and develop reliable and valid operationalizations. This project thus provides potential tools to understand and study the dynamics of personalization on a common ground, while applying them from a voters’ as well as a candidate’s perspective. Indeed, this research seeks to understand the interaction between changing electorate demands and the dynamics of personalization of candidate campaigns, within the changing institutional opportunity structures at the Belgian national level, from 1964 till 2014.