The rise of local knowledge economies (LKEs) is transforming labor markets with substantial socio-political implications. Recent literature suggests that these economies foster voters who, due to exposure to upward mobility, are less likely to support far-right parties. In this seminar, Marius R. Busemeyer will examine this assumption using novel survey data focusing on Germany. He will analyze how vote choice is associated with individual mobility perceptions and the share of local knowledge-based economic activity. Busemeyer will specifically focus on support for the Green Party and the right-wing populist AfD Party. The survey data found that electoral support for the Green Party is strongly and positively associated with well-developed LKEs and less influenced by mobility perceptions, while for AfD supporters the latter matters more.
** Please note: Events in this series do not include a presentation. Attendees of this seminar are expected to read a paper in advance and enter into a discussion. This is an in-person event. To receive a copy of the paper, please contact Laura Falloon, CES Program Coordinator. **
