How do neoliberals vote? Power-based asymmetries in hierarchy-enhancement

Abstract

Neoliberal ideology has received increasing empirical attention in recent years, although little is known about its relationship to voting behavior. Examining this question may offer insight into theoretical questions regarding social hierarchies and neoliberalism. Following from social dominance theory, we posit that social dominance orientation should predict neoliberal ideology, which should, in turn, predict voting for a Republican candidate. However, building from the ideological asymmetry hypothesis, we posit that these relationships should be stronger among high (vs. low) power groups. One study (N = 604) is designed to test these hypothesized relationships between social dominance orientation, neoliberal ideology, and voting intentions among high- and low-power groups using a series of moderated-mediation models in the context of the 2024 US Presidential election. A nationally representative sample (based on race, gender, age, and political affiliation) of registered voters was recruited from Prolific to complete a brief survey in the weeks leading up to the election.