A profile of Brazilian conservatives and progressives: an approach based on the theory of basic human values

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

We evaluated a set of factors associated with political orientation in Brazil considering the left, center, and right political spectrums, as well as a group of values based on Schwartz's Theory. This theory enables us to understand how personal values affect individual choices and behavior across different contexts, among which political orientation.

Materials and method:

Our source database was the sixth research wave of the World Values Survey, which included 1,146 respondents for Brazil in 2014. The confirmatory factor analysis allowed us to validate the Schwartz questionnaire and, subsequently, devise four indicators for the following values: conservation, openness to change, self-enhancement, and self-transcendence. In addition to these variables, we controlled the analysis of results using a multinomial model with a range of sociodemographic variables to assess the determinants of political self-positioning.

Results:

Conservation and openness to change were significant indicators to explain the difference between left and right. Self-transcendence, in turn, was a value more closely associated with citizens who identify as right-wing rather than center.

Discussion:

Political orientation in Brazil is heavily reliant on both values and group identities, i.e., sociodemographic characteristics. This is illustrated by the statistical significance of the following demographic variables: gender, age, perceived income level, and education level.

Keywords
theory of basic human values; political orientation; political conservatism; political culture; multinomial model