A Tale of Odds and Ratios: Political Preference Formation in Postindustrial Democracies

Abstract

This report surveys four approaches that are pivotal to the study of preference formation: (a) the range, validity, and theoretical foundations of explanations of political preferences at the individual and mass levels, (b) the exploration of key objects of preference formation attached to the democratic political process (i.e., voting in competitive elections), (c) the top-down vs. bottom-up character of preference formation as addressed in leader–follower studies, and (d) gene–environment interaction and the explanatory weight of genetic predisposition against the cumulative weight of social experiences.In recent years, our understanding of sites and processes of (individual) political-preference formation has substantially improved. First, this applies to a greater variety of objects that provide fresh insight into the functioning and stability of contemporary democracy. Second, we observe the reaffirmation of pivotal theories and key concepts in adapted form against widespread challenge. This applies to the role played by social stratification, group awareness, and individual-level economic considerations. Most of these findings converge in recognising economics-based explanations. Third, research into gene–environment interplay rapidly increases the number of testable hypotheses and promises to benefit a wide range of approaches already taken and advanced in the study of political-preference formation.

Political Preferences and Role of Social Media Ahead of the 2024 General Elections in Central Kalimantan Province

“…Preferences can basically be interpreted as a decision-making component of an individual, where these components can be in the form of perceptions, values, tendencies, and satisfaction. These components influence each other in making decisions, where the decision is reflected in an attitude and choice [1]. In a political context, political preferences of voters are an individual political choice tendency based on values that are believed in to provide a political response that exists in an individual, this is implemented in a political attitude where the political attitude becomes a guide in making choices with various considerations according to values which is built in determining the standard of evaluation of political parties and figures/candidates [2].…”

“…Preferences can basically be interpreted as a decision-making component of an individual, where these components can be in the form of perceptions, values, tendencies, and satisfaction. These components influence each other in making decisions, where the decision is reflected in an attitude and choice [1].…”