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The document critically analyzes the social determinants of voting behavior in Indian elections, highlighting factors such as charismatic leadership, caste, class, gender, religion, language, and the role of social media. It discusses the evolution of voting behavior studies in India and emphasizes the impact of these determinants on electoral outcomes. Critics argue that an overemphasis on identity politics undermines issue-based governance and accountability in the democratic process.

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19 views3 pages

Untitled Document

The document critically analyzes the social determinants of voting behavior in Indian elections, highlighting factors such as charismatic leadership, caste, class, gender, religion, language, and the role of social media. It discusses the evolution of voting behavior studies in India and emphasizes the impact of these determinants on electoral outcomes. Critics argue that an overemphasis on identity politics undermines issue-based governance and accountability in the democratic process.

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sheetal.pol.22
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Class Test

NAME Sheetal
ROLL NO 22/Pol/130
PAPER political process in india
SEMESTER 5
DATE 21/10/24

Question: Critically analyse the social determinants of voting behaviour in indian


elections.

Introduction
Voting behaviour is a complex phenomenon which is influenced by various factors
that shape the decision making process of voters. In the context of india, a vibrant
economy with diverse social, cultural, economic and political dynamics it is important
to understand, what factors influence the choice of a voter and how. As a large and
vibrant democracy ,indian electorates have been influenced by various social
determinants.

Meaning and definition of voting behaviour:


Voting behaviour defines the pattern of casting vote or the factors that influence
people in casting vote. Moreover, study of voting behaviour does not confine to the
observation of voting statistics, record and electoral data.
According to Sociologist Gordon Marshall: “The study of voting behaviour invariably
focuses on the determinants of why people tend to vote in public elections as they do
and how they arrive at the decisions they make”.
According to Professor - Stephen Wasby: “The Study of Voting Behaviour involves
an analysis of physiological aspects such as voters’ perception, emotion, etc. and
their relation to political action and institutional patterns, such as the communication
process and their impact on elections”.

Evolution of study of voting behaviour in india:


Study of voting behaviour is a part of election studies. The subject to study elections
is known as psephology. Its purpose is to analyse questions about the behaviour of
voters during the elections. In India, election studies started in the 1950s since the
first general election of 1951-52. But systematic studies of elections began in the
1960s, with the initiative of Rajni Kothari, a scholar in CSDS. In the 1980s, Prannoy
Roy’s book “A Compendium of Indian Elections”, gave momentum to election
studies. But since 1990s election studies have become a regular feature of electoral
politics. The methods of doing the election studies mainly include surveys. These
surveys are known as the National Election Survey.

Social determinants of voting behaviour:


● Charismatic leadership is one of the most important determinants of voting
behaviour. It was first evident in the election held in 1951. When congress
gained dominance due to the social interconnectedness of Jawaharlal Nehru
with indian masses during Indian freedom struggle. The slogan of “Garibi
Hatao” with the personality Mrs. Gandhi after India’s victory in
India-Bangladesh war 1972 worked miraculously in 1971 elections in the
favour of congress.In 2014 elections, with personality of Modi, BJP won.

● Caste: Although caste has been one of the most effective determinants of
voting behaviour in elections but it has become spectacular since 1990s. The
main reason for this has been the impact of Mandal Commission providing
reservation to the OBCs.Political parties such as BSP,SP,RJD have been
identified with dalits,OBCs or peasant class and have take caste into
consideration while formulating their manifestos and agendas. For instance, in
UP, in the 1990s, many OBCs had supported the BJP prompting some
scholar to state that it was “mandalisation” of the BJP

● Class: is reflected in economic issues such as employment, price rise, land


reforms, subsidies, removal of poverty,etc.These issues have been the focus
of campaign in several elections .Indeed, garibi hatao was a slogan of
Congress in 1971 Lok Sabha elections and became factor that determined the
voting behaviour in favour of the Congress. During 1970s, BKD led by Charan
Singh in UP and Bihar articulated the class issues of middle farmers. In 2020
assembly elections, in Delhi, class-related issues such as concessions in
electricity and water bills have determined electorates behaviour in favour of
AAP.

● Gender: in relation to voting behaviour is mainly refers to women’s role in


voting. Since 1990s,the participation of women in voting has increased but
their political representation still lack. Many parties have included women’s
welfare in their manifestos. In 2015 elections in Bihar, Nitish Kumar launched
anti-liquor policy for women welfare.Nitish Kumar regime’s Cycle Yojna for girl
students influenced voting behaviour ol voters in Bihar.
BetiPadhaoBetiBachao and Jan DhanYojna of Modi govt determined women’s
voting behaviour in 2014 General elections.

● Religion and Language: India, religion became an effective determinants of


voting behaviour during 1960s but it need to be operated with economic
issues. During 1960s along with economic crisis there was mobilisation of
VHP and Jana Sangha to ban “cow slaughter”. This led to the defeat of
congress in several states during 1967 elections. In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi govt
nullified the supreme court verdict to gain the support of muslim also shows
religion as important determinants of voting behaviour. Language has been
seen as an effective determinant in Tamil Nadu against imposition of Hindi in
1965. In UP, language often becomes part of religious politics, Hindi becomes
a symbol of Hindu identity and Urdu of Muslim identity.

● Role of social media:


In contemporary electoral politics,Social media plays a crucial role in
mobilising masses. During 2014 & 2019 general elections, social media has
played a significant role in campaigning and also impacted voting behaviour of
people.Usage of internet has provided a new platform for political parties to
reach out to masses. Its target is to mobilise youth of middle-class through
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to popularise political opinion of
leaders.

Critical Analysis :
Critics of voting behaviour determinants in India argue that excessive focus on caste,
religion, and identity politics undermines issue-based governance. Instead of
evaluating candidates based on policy performance or economic development,
voters are often swayed by traditional loyalties, perpetuating division and
regionalism. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh, caste-based voting patterns often
overshadow candidates' qualifications or agendas. Additionally, political parties
exploit these divisions by catering to specific groups, reinforcing these tendencies.
Critics argue that this weakens democracy by prioritising identity over accountability
and governance, hindering more informed and progressive political engagement.

In conclusion in a vibrant democracy like india voting behaviour of voters is shaped


through many factors i.e. socio-cultural, economic and political dynamics as well as
psychological aspects like emotion and communication with the political institutions
that influences the choice of voters for which the tend to vote in public elections.

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