Are Populist Citizens Extreme? Non-linearity of Populist Attitudes and Ideological Extremism

• In Event: Public Opinion and Political Support

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the complexities and nuances of populist attitudes, shedding light on their manifestation across the political spectrum and their relationship with political extremism. Central to our analysis are two primary arguments: first, that populist attitudes are not confined to a specific ideological stance but are prevalent among both left-wing and right-wing ideologies; second, we propose a non-linear relationship between political ideology and populism, suggesting that as individuals' political views become increasingly extreme, their level of populist sentiment intensifies. By acknowledging the multi-dimensional nature of populism and its non-linear relationship with political extremism, this paper provides a nuanced framework for examining the evolving landscape of political attitudes and behaviors.

Author

• Yujin Julia Jung, Mount St. Mary's University