Finding Out the Hard Way: Uncovering the Structural Foundations of Political Dissatisfaction in Italy, 1973–2013

This article analyses the long-term dissatisfaction of citizens with democracy in Italy in light of the economic and institutional transformations that have occurred over the last four decades. Using multilevel analysis, the results challenge previous research showing how poor economic performance in the form of unemployment and inflation has increased dissatisfaction. Most importantly, the article demonstrates that the widespread political dissatisfaction can be connected to fragmentation of the party system. In this regard, the impact of the electoral reforms that have been introduced are assessed. These favoured a recovery of satisfaction between the ‘First’ and the ‘Second’ Republic due to the emergence of bi-polar political competition. However, the effect has been contained by an inability to substantially reduce the number of parties. By drawing on compelling data, this study provides systematic evidence of the macro-foundations of Italian political discontent.