Mapping Electoral Behavior and Political Competition: A Comparative Analytical Framework for Voter Typologies and Political Discourses
摘要
This study introduces a methodological framework that integrates Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) and Factorial Correspondence Analysis (AFC) for the comparative analysis of electoral behavior and political competition. Transcending traditional approaches in political science research, this framework offers a comprehensive tool for exploring the complex dynamics of voter behavior, with a particular focus on young voters in Thessaloniki, Greece. Through the analysis of data collected from over 3,000 participants, this research provides an understanding of the factors influencing first-time voters’ electoral decisions and their perceptions of democracy and moral values. Unlike conventional methods that often examine electoral behavior through isolated variables, this study employs a multivariate approach, enabling a more in-depth examination of the interactions between various factors such as political mobilization, interest, information sources, and demographic characteristics. The semantic map, a pivotal output of the methodological framework, facilitates the direct comparison of behavioral patterns across different voter profiles, thereby highlighting the contrasts and similarities within the electoral landscape. The findings reveal significant insights into the evolution of political attitudes and behaviors among the youth, demonstrating the method’s capability to capture the shifting paradigms of political behavior over time. Moreover, the comparative analysis brings forward political polarization and competition, offering a dynamic view of the electoral behavior landscape.