Rurality and discontent: Unraveling the context effects of living in rural districts in local elections on support for Sweden democrats

• Published in: Journal of rural studies 2024-02, Vol.106, p.103209, Article 103209
• Main Author: Lundåsen, Susanne Wallman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Context effect; Local elections; Rural districts; Rural resentment; Sociotropic voting; Sweden democrats
• ISSN: 0743-0167; 1873-1392; 1873-1392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2024.103209

In Sweden, the anti-establishment party, the Sweden Democrats, has seen growing support in the past four parliamentary elections. This rise is thought to be part of a broader trend where disenchanted voters in remote areas increasingly back anti-establishment parties. The present study investigates whether residing in a rural or peripheral district within a municipality increases the individual likelihood of voting for the Sweden Democrats in local elections. Drawing on a unique survey with respondents nested in 49 municipalities and approximately 1800 districts, the findings reveal that living in rural and peripheral districts increases the probability of supporting the Sweden Democrats in local elections even when accounting for individual- and context-level variables. Additionally, the results demonstrate that individuals in rural districts within non-rural municipalities are significantly more likely to vote for Sweden Democrats in local elections. This is explained as being driven by concerns about access to services and lack of optimism about the local development. •Place-Based Grievances: The study adds to understanding how place-based grievances influence support for radical right-wing parties, specifically the Sweden Democrats.•Rural Districts Influence: It shows that residing in a rural district significantly increases the likelihood of voting for the Sweden Democrats, even in local elections. However, the increased likelihood is mainly tied to voters in rural districts in non-rural municipalities. This implies that it is likely not rurality per se that increases the likelihood to support the Sweden Democrats.•Nativism and Diversity: The research finds a link between nativism and support for the Sweden Democrats. Additionally, it explores how the impact of neighborhood diversity on political preferences is moderated by positive intergroup contacts.•Local Services and Resentment: The study highlights how concerns about local service access, such as schools and municipal services, contribute to place-based resentment, influencing political preferences.•Urban-Rural Divide and Service Locations: It underscores the political implications of service concentration in administrative centers and how this can drive support for parties like the Sweden Democrats, especially in the context of urban-rural divides.•Perceptions of Future Decisions: The research points out the importance of perceptions regarding future access to public services and their influenc