Mapping the Spectrum of Democratic Conceptions in the United States

• In Event: New Approaches to Attitudes toward Democracy and Its Institutions

Abstract

Recent scholarship has witnessed a surge of interest in research aimed at unraveling the diversity of democratic conceptions. However, existing studies predominantly focus on interstate or intercultural variations and less on country-specific variations, often due to the lack of intricate conceptualization and relevant data. This research takes a pioneering step in offering a comprehensive exploration of the conceptions of democracy prevalent among the American public, employing a sophisticated mixed-method approach. The study commences with the application of Q-methodology, a nuanced variant of exploratory factor analysis complemented by follow-up interviews. This methodological choice provides intricate insights into the specific values underpinning individuals' varying conceptions of democracy. By identifying conceptual variations, the study illuminates the values that both create divisions and foster consensus around what democracy is and ought to be within the American public. Next, the research advances to the application of multi-group confirmatory factor analysis on established survey instruments sourced from major datasets gauging conceptions of democracy. The objective is to rigorously test the utility of existing datasets in elucidating the public's conceptions of democracy through the lens of the identified latent factors. Preliminary findings from a localized test reveal the existence of at least four significantly distinct conceptions of democracy. Moreover, the test finds that members of different latent conceptual groups interpret existing survey instruments differently, making it difficult to compare one democrat with another. These preliminary results hold profound implications for refining the measurement of democratic conceptions among the American public. By pinpointing the areas of agreement and disagreement, this research contributes not only to advancements in measurement but also informs the ongoing discourse on political polarization and democratic backsliding within the American context.

Author

• Seongjoon Ahn, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign