Journal of Electoral Studies

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Home Issues Backissues Volume 31, No.2 Analyzing Anti-Party Sentiment in Taiwan

Analyzing Anti-Party Sentiment in Taiwan

Tsong-Jyi Lin
2013 / 05
Volume 20, No.1

pp.47-72
10.6612/tjes.2013.20.01.47-72
Paper

Abstract

Popular dissatisfaction with two mainstream parties has been a significant phenomenon in Taiwan. By applying the concept of anti-party sentiment, this study attempts to explore the following questions: (1) what is the percentage of anti-party sentiment? (2) who are the citizens with anti-party sentiment? (3) what are political consequences led by antiparty sentiment? To measure anti-party sentiment, the author designs four variables concerning political corruption, election fairness, leadership, and representation. Totally 1,208 samples are collected from the telephone interview.There are several findings. First, most people are dissatisfied with the performances of political parties, except for leadership. Second, demographic characteristics for people with anti-party sentiment include young age, high education, white collar, and city inhabitant. Third, anti-party sentiment exerts negative effect on political participation and democratic satisfaction. On the contrary, anti-party sentiment doesn't show significant effect on party legitimacy and democratic support. Above findings imply that the case of Taiwan is similar with most western democracies. Although anti-party sentiment could be treatedas an important phenomenon in Taiwan, it might not jeopardize Taiwan democracy.

Keywords

anti-party sentiment

political participation

party legitimacy

democratic support

democratic satisfaction