Assessment of Citizens’ Populist Orientations: Development and Validation of the POPulist ORientation (POPOR) Scale

Abstract

Objectives. We developed and validated the POPulist ORientation (POPOR) Scale (composed of six five-category items), operationalizing populist orientation as a unidimensional construct composed of six facets: (1) anti-economic, financial, and intellectual establishment attitude; (2) anti-political establishment;(3) conception of the people as a homogeneous and virtuous entity; (4) consideration of the people as legitimated to take part directly in political decision-making processes; (5) need for a strong leader; and (6) loss of relevance of the traditional ideologies. To prevent response bias, we gave the POPOR Scale a forced-choice format and a balanced structure. Method. We surveyed a quota sample of 1,348 Italians extracted from the general population and analyzed the structure of the scale and its convergent validity via confirmatory factor analysis. Results. The POPOR Scale showed a unidimensional structure and a good convergent validity. Supplemental analyses showed its structural invariance across gender, age, education, and area of residence.

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