Political Dynasties and Particularistic Campaigns

Abstract

Although many studies agree that electoral systems shape campaign strategies that candidates employ, there is important variation in their focuses and rhetoric even among those who face the same institutional constrains. To solve this puzzle, I argue that the dynastic status of candidates, defined as coming from a family with a history of involvement in politics, is an important individual-level predictor of campaign strategies. Dynastic candidates inherit personal support bases from their family members who have previously served in congress, and the special ties with these support bases provide them strategic incentives to adopt particularistic appeals in their campaigns. Analyzing the electoral manifestos of legislative candidates in Japan, I show that dynastic candidates are more likely to emphasize the distribution of particularistic goods than nondynastic candidates. I also find that the link between dynastic status and a particularistic campaign is especially strong among candidates with relatively short political careers. This study contributes to literature on the determinants of campaign strategies by offering a micro-level explanation for why some candidates rely more heavily on targeted and particularistic appeals than others.

Voters’ perceptions and evaluations of dynastic politics in Japan

“…Some of these stereotypes are consistent with empirical facts: generally, Japanese legacy MPs are more likely to be appointed to the position of a cabinet minister (Smith, 2018; Taniguchi, 2008), excel more at pork barreling (Asako et al, 2015; Iida et al, 2010; Muraoka, 2018; Taniguchi, 2008), and serve longer terms (Iida et al, 2010).…”

Dyadic representation in parliamentary democracy in Japan

“…The results also have some implications for the nature of electoral competition in Japan. It is not directly clear whether this competition is based on programmatic vs clientelistic linkages, which scholars have debated (Catalinac, 2016a; Muraoka, 2018). The urban–rural economic issue is understandable from both perspectives: building infrastructure in a rural area or protecting the agricultural sector could be programmatic.…”

The octopus-like power of Pesantren dynasty in the dynamics of local politics

“…Politicians from political dynasties enjoy brand name advantages that give significant benefits over non-dynasty politicians (Feinstein, 2010); thus, keeping a secure connection to the "clan" is crucial as a campaign strategy that targets the core supporters. This concept is commonly known as particularism politics (Muraoka, 2017). In Indonesia, political dynasties have a central position, and so regional and local politics are run by families who are critical to Indonesian "democracy," which is decentralized and reflects personal interest (Purdey & Purdey, 2016).…”