Reconsidering Partisan Stability

A Three-Mode Model

Abstract

In this study, a three-mode model of partisanship is constructed using Japanese public opinion survey. By integrating “dual structure” of partisanship, which consists of party evaluation and partisan group identity, with multidimensional “direction” of partisanship, we examine what kinds of dimensions combine party evaluation with partisan group identity and how those combinations affect the stability of partisanship. The results show that the partisanship in the dimensions that combine party evaluation with partisan group identity is highly stable and determines the change of partisanship in other dimensions. Our findings imply that not only rational evaluations but also expressive partisan group identity matters among Japanese voters.