Individualism, collectivism, and voting behaviour: a pilot study into the 2007 Australian federal election

Abstract

Individualism and collectivism constructs has been discussed in a number of contexts in the social sciences (Triandis, 1998), including social systems, morality and cultural patterns (Triandis, 1990). To date much of the research has focused on cultural differences in the individualism-collectivism construct; and the application of these constructs to political ideology and voting intentions is scarce. It is arguable that more centre-right parties (e.g. Liberal- National) are more likely to endorse individualism than centre-left parties (Labour or Greens), whereas this trend may be reversed for collectivism. An exit poll was conducted at a provisional city polling booth in the November 2007 Federal Election. Fifty respondents were given a questionnaire about voting behaviour. They were also given a modified 20-item version of the Individualism-Collectivism Scale (ICS). The modified ICS had fair to adequate internal consistencies for Collectivism (α=.60) and Individualism (α= .77). A one-way ANOVA found people who voted Liberal-National endorsed individualism significantly higher than people who voted Labour or the Greens. There were no differences between Labour and Greens voters. Voting behaviour did not provide any differences in the Collectivism scale.