A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Populism, technocracy, and affective polarization: Evaluating antipluralist dynamics
Authors: Koiranen, Ilkka; Saarinen, Arttu
Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Acta Sociologica
ISSN: 0001-6993
eISSN: 1502-3869
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00016993251388315
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1177/00016993251388315
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505573010
In this article, we explore the evolving interplay between populism, technocracy, and affective polarization in current politics. More specifically, we evaluate how populist and technocratic ideologies shape antipluralist attitudes and affective polarization among the Finnish electorate. Populism and technocracy, often perceived as contrary political positions, can converge by challenging established democratic processes, political institutions, and knowledge sources. Theoretically, we contend that populist and technocratic attitudes can share the common ground of resisting established political norms, asserting legitimacy claims, and defining boundaries of inclusion and exclusion. Based on a representative population survey (N = 1563), we show the connections between populism, technocracy, and affective polarization, focusing on the mediating role of antipluralist attitudes. Overall, by delving into the tensions of populism and technocracy, this article offers new perspectives related to the ideological and epistemic dynamics behind affective polarization in European multiparty systems.
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Funding information in the publication:
This research was supported by a Research Grant from the Finnish Cultural Foundation.
