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Defining and measuring niche parties

Bibliographic Data

ID6316628
AuthorsMarkus Wagner (0000-0002-0036-1266, University of Vienna, corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume18
Issue6
Pages845-864
Publication date2012-11-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueParty Politics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1354-0688 • E-ISSN: 1460-3683
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1354068810393267
OpenAlexW1974214430
LanguageEN
Citations received176
References cited33

Various scholars have recently argued that niche parties are to be distinguished from mainstream parties, in particular because the two party types differ in their programmes, behaviour and strategies. However, so far there has been no attempt to provide a concise, measureable definition of the niche-party concept. In this article I argue that niche parties are best defined as parties that compete primarily on a small number of non-economic issues. The occurrence of niche parties is then operationalized and measured using issue salience information provided by expert surveys and manifesto data. After comparing the findings with existing definitions, the main characteristics of the niche parties identified are examined in a final step

Biology · Epistemology · Mainstream · Manifesto · Niche · Operationalization · Political science · Salience (neuroscience · Computer Science · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Law · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies · Social Policy and Reform Studies · Ecology

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Unique citing works176
Citations per year11,73
Citation span2011 - 2026 (16)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 175

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