Why do voters exposed to localized economic shocks not support left-wing parties? By studying the electoral effects of deindustrialization over the past 50 years, Sung In Kim argues that the change in center-left parties' political appeal explains this pattern. Drawing on local- and individual-level data in the United Kingdom and using a shift-share approach, Kim shows that local exposure to deindustrialization shocks increased support for Labour in the 1970-80s when the party remained loyal to traditional manufacturing industries. This electoral support was accompanied by increasing support for redistribution and social benefits for the unemployed. However, as Labour began to pivot towards the growing new middle class in the 1990s, deindustrialization shocks no longer translated into a leftward shift. Join Sung In Kim to explore the mechanisms behind this change.
The Graduate Student Research Workshop is a seminar for graduate students at Harvard University and MIT to present their research to peers and faculty with an interest in European studies. This student-run, student-centered workshop welcomes presenters from any social science discipline who are at any stage of their research.
To join the seminar mailing list, please contact the seminar chairs. Papers will be distributed to participants via email in advance. For a schedule of upcoming workshops see here. This schedule will be updated throughout the academic year.
