Frustration and Resentment in Politics: An Application to the Chilean Case

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative approach for conceptualising and measuring frustration and resentment in political contexts. Utilising the classic Gamson’s Hypothesis, frustration is defined as the gap between internal and external political eZicacy, measured through structural equation modelling. By distinguishing between flow and stock variables, individual-level frustration is quantified, and then it is grouped and aggregated over time to characterise resentment. A pseudo-panel design is employed to examine the temporal dynamics of these political attitudes. Applying this methodology to the political climate in Chile from 2017 to 2022, a timeframe marked by significant political crisis and social upheaval, the findings indicate a notable prevalence of resentment, especially among younger individuals with higher socioeconomic status. This challenges the notion that political resentment is predominantly associated with material deprivation. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a significant correlation between political interest, ideology, and these emotional states.