Economic freedom's clash with participatory democracy: A test of atomization theory on voter turnout

Scholars have studied the importance of political participation for maintaining democratic institutions. Atomization theory, however, suggests that as economic freedom increases, there will be a demobilization of political participation. This thesis tests atomization theory using global voter turnout data. Using data derived from IDEA and the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) Index, I provide a test of the relationship between economic freedom and democratic participation. The results of the cross-sectional, time-series analysis of voter turnout data in presidential and legislative elections for 136 countries reveals economic freedom defined as size of government decreases voter turnout in legislative elections. This relationship loses significance in presidential elections. Economic freedom interpreted as strong property rights protection mobilizes voter participation in all models.