Doctoral Dissertation Research in Political Science

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Most explanations of the attitudes and behavior of impoverished segments of the public in third world nations emphasize the influence of economic considerations on levels of political support. There is increasing evidence, however, that the core values and beliefs of even the poorest segments of society are critical determinants of political attitudes and behavior. This award supports doctoral dissertation research that seeks to explore the relative effects of economic conditions and basic values on the political attitudes and behavior of the poor in developing nations. Specifically, this project surveys the political attitudes of six carefully selected economic groups in Nicaragua. These groups differ in their economic status and vulnerability as well as in their basic values and beliefs. Thus by comparing their levels of political support the relative effects of economic conditions and personal values can be measured. Nicaragua is chosen as the site for the study because its recent transition from an authoritarian to democratic regime allows respondents to be asked about their attitudes toward these very different political systems. When completed this dissertation research should expand our understanding of the values and behavior of those large segments of the public in many third world nations that live in or on the edge of poverty. If the thesis is correct, the research should point the way to new approaches to dealing with problems of political instability in these nations.