The Subjective Consciousness of Victims of COVID-19 and the Perception of the Appropriateness for Elections: Who Feels like a Victim and Who Demands the Elections?

Abstract

　This study focuses on the determinants of the subjective consciousness of victims of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the relationship between the subjective consciousness of victims and perceptions of the appropriateness of elections. Based on an analysis of the national survey, the main findings of this study are as follows: 1) Half of the respondents do not have the subjective consciousness of victims, and demographic variables do not define the subjective consciousness of victims. In other words, COVID-19 impacts the entire population. 2) The threat of COVID-19 in neighboring prefectures define the subjective consciousness of victims as COVID-19 is perceived as a threat that is close to home. 3) The governor’s evaluation suppresses the subjective consciousness of victims. Efforts to address COVID-19 in the political and administrative arenas close to home reduce anxiety in daily life. 4) Low evaluation of the prime minister promotes the perception of the appropriateness for elections during COVID-19. On the other hand, high evaluation of the governor reduces the response of DK/NA. Elections in the absence of evaluation of the cabinet’s efforts lead to political distrust, and information presented by the governor’s efforts leads to decisions based on the perception of the appropriateness of the elections.