%D 2024
%A Xander Meijer
%L theses_frw4712
%X Rural municipalities in the province of Groningen are currently experiencing population decline, primarily
due to migration towards the city of Groningen and low levels of natural increase within the province.
This population decline can negatively impact economic stability, reduce the availability of amenities, and
weaken social networks. These adverse effects can foster feelings of abandonment by national or local
governments. Lack of trust can lead to rising levels of right-wing, left-wing and localist voting behaviour.
Previous research has found no correlation between population decline and populist voting behaviour.
This thesis investigates whether this findings is true for Groningen’s countryside using a quantitative
study. The results indicate that population decline does not significantly correlate with populist or localist
voting behaviour, aligning with findings of previous research. However, the effects of population decline
on the demographic structure, economic situation, and social networks can influence voting behaviour.
%T Beyond the Ballot Box