Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 372-391 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | German politics |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 20 Nov 2012 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2012 |
Abstract
A range of empirical studies has shown that candidates' physical attractiveness can substantially influence the outcome of political elections. This applies to different countries, different electoral systems, and different levels of political systems, and equally affects simple direct or list candidates and front-runners. However, no previous investigation using actual election results has been made into whether candidates' attractiveness also has an effect under the conditions of a presidential electoral system. Theoretical reasons can be formulated that suggest attractiveness is ineffective under these circumstances. In order to clarify this point empirically, we analysed the 2009 North Rhine-Westphalia mayoral elections. Yet the results of the analyses clearly show that candidates' attractiveness has a substantial influence. Taking into account earlier findings, the influence of physical attractiveness in political elections appears to be resistant, to a large degree, to varying constraints.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Sociology and Political Science
- Social Sciences(all)
- Political Science and International Relations
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In: German politics, Vol. 21, No. 4, 12.2012, p. 372-391.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Magic mayors
T2 - Predicting electoral success from candidates' physical attractiveness under the conditions of a presidential electoral system
AU - Rosar, Ulrich
AU - Klein, Markus
AU - Beckers, Tilo
PY - 2012/12
Y1 - 2012/12
N2 - A range of empirical studies has shown that candidates' physical attractiveness can substantially influence the outcome of political elections. This applies to different countries, different electoral systems, and different levels of political systems, and equally affects simple direct or list candidates and front-runners. However, no previous investigation using actual election results has been made into whether candidates' attractiveness also has an effect under the conditions of a presidential electoral system. Theoretical reasons can be formulated that suggest attractiveness is ineffective under these circumstances. In order to clarify this point empirically, we analysed the 2009 North Rhine-Westphalia mayoral elections. Yet the results of the analyses clearly show that candidates' attractiveness has a substantial influence. Taking into account earlier findings, the influence of physical attractiveness in political elections appears to be resistant, to a large degree, to varying constraints.
AB - A range of empirical studies has shown that candidates' physical attractiveness can substantially influence the outcome of political elections. This applies to different countries, different electoral systems, and different levels of political systems, and equally affects simple direct or list candidates and front-runners. However, no previous investigation using actual election results has been made into whether candidates' attractiveness also has an effect under the conditions of a presidential electoral system. Theoretical reasons can be formulated that suggest attractiveness is ineffective under these circumstances. In order to clarify this point empirically, we analysed the 2009 North Rhine-Westphalia mayoral elections. Yet the results of the analyses clearly show that candidates' attractiveness has a substantial influence. Taking into account earlier findings, the influence of physical attractiveness in political elections appears to be resistant, to a large degree, to varying constraints.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84871509032&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/09644008.2012.739609
DO - 10.1080/09644008.2012.739609
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84871509032
VL - 21
SP - 372
EP - 391
JO - German politics
JF - German politics
SN - 0964-4008
IS - 4
ER -