Deindustrialization and Party System Volatility in Appalachian OH and PA

• In Event: The Causes of Vote Switching

Abstract

For decades, the United States has lost millions of manufacturing jobs through a process known as deindustrialization. The literature has studied in detail the economic, social and cultural impact of deindustrialization. Much less studied are the political implications from the loss of manufacturing industries. In this study, I analyze the effect that deindustrialization has had on local party systems. Specifically, I look changes to county party systems in the Appalachian regions of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Using a mixed methods approach, I find that the loss of manufacturing and coal mining jobs has resulted in volatility within local party systems. This volatility is evident by dramatic changes in voting behavior, increased independent party registration and lower voter turnout.

Author

• Erik J. Davis, Purdue University