A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Examining extra-parliamentary engagement: the impact of online and offline activities on in-party commitment amongst political party members in Finland




AuthorsKoiranen, Ilkka; Koivula, Aki; Kuusela, Anna; Saarinen, Arttu

PublisherEmerald Publishing Limited

Publication year2024

JournalInternational Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

Volume44

Issue13/14

First page 68

Last page86

ISSN0144-333X

eISSN0144-333X

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-01-2024-0021(external)

Web address https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-01-2024-0021(external)

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/457629335(external)


Abstract
Purpose

The study utilises unique survey data gathered from 12,427 party members. The dependent variable measures party members’ in-party commitment and is based on willingness to donate money, to contribute effort, the feeling of belonging in the party network and social trust in the party network.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, we study how different extra-parliamentary online and offline activities are associated with in-party commitment amongst political party members from the six largest Finnish parties. We especially delve into the differences between members of the Finnish parties.

Findings

We found that extra-parliamentary political activity, including connective action through social media networks and collective action through civic organisations, is highly associated with members’ in-party commitment. Additionally, members of the newer identity parties more effectively utilised social media networks, whilst the traditional interest parties were still more linked to traditional forms of extra-parliamentary political action.

Originality/value

By employing the sociological network theory perspective, the study contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding the impact of social media on political participation amongst party members, both within and beyond the confines of political parties.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
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Funding information in the publication
This research was supported by the Helsingin Sanomat Foundation.


Last updated on 2025-27-01 at 19:59