Trading Frames: Economic Uncertainty and Support for Free Trade

• In Event: The Mass Politics of the Backlash against Globalization

Abstract

How can support for free trade be maintained during times of economic uncertainty? Deteriorating economic conditions and uncertainty regarding future economic conditions have long been linked to decreasing support for free trade among publics. However, research has also shown the importance of psychological constructs and broader political attitudes in shaping individuals' support for free trade. This suggests that we also need to consider how economic factors are related to the ways in which individuals think about free trade. In this paper, I explore how different ways in which free trade agreements are framed interact with economic vulnerability to shape attitudes. In particular, I look at two specific frames for free trade agreements: (1) liberalizing markets and (2) adopting common standards. I argue that the liberalizing markets frame suggests the potential for economic benefits, but also for greater economic risks. By contrast, the common standards frame suggests less risk (due to greater regulation), but also less flexibility for governments and less say for citizens. As such, more economically vulnerable -- and therefore risk-averse -- individuals should be more supportive of free trade agreements if they are framed as governments adopting common standards rather than liberalizing markets. Using an experiment embedded in a nationally representative survey of 1,219 individuals in Canada, I show that using the common standards frame boosts support for free trade among individuals who are economically vulnerable and have been primed to think about economic uncertainty.

Author

• Nina Obermeier, University of Pennsylvania