Comparative Advantage, Political Polarization and Economic Voting

SUMMARY

Prof. Dr. Hasan Kirmanoğlu evaluates political polarization in Turkey by analyzing KONDA's monthly data from March 2012 to May 2024:

• Comparative advantage of swing voters for CHP voters over Ak Parti voters.

In the article, data reveals that "economic voting," an alternative to the "secular-conservative opposition" which is the primary axis of socio-cultural polarization reflected in Turkish politics, is actually equally valid. Inspired by the "theory of comparative advantage," analyses were conducted by selecting "inability to make ends meet" and "non-religiosity" from 13 explanatory variables such as age, gender, and religiosity. Furthermore, by selecting the CHP and undecided voters from the explained variables formed by political groups, with the AK Party serving as the reference category, these analyses examine the extent to which differentiations occur and in which specific categories.