Why Is Populism Important To Economic Grievances?

Populist attitudes, movements and leaders rise from economic grievances and political factors. Inglehart and Norris mention that “Across Europe, the populist parties’ share of the votes in national and European parliamentary elections have more than doubled since the 1960’s from 5.1% to 13.2%, at the expense of center parties. During the same era, their share of seats has tripled from 3.8% to 12.8%.” (2016). One characteristic of populism is the opposition of the “pure people” against the corrupt elite. The root of their difference is their economic power. Just like Norris and Inglehart mention, “ Stimulated by fears of downward mobility and loss of social status, fascist parties and extremist movements were thought to tap fears and insecurities
“The economic insecurity thesis explains populism as a product of growing income inequality and grievances among the losers from global markets” (Norris and Inglehart, 2016). In fact, rising income inequalities, the loss of manufacturing jobs, and stagnant wages are direct threats to people, encouraging them in supporting an authoritarian leader willing to suppress and re-organize the system and what are threatening jobs and benefits. During the industrial revolution, an agrarian-based populism denounced politicians for placing industrial capitalism first. According to Saler, the blue collar have been fighting for their rights before even gaining a political voice. The root of their complains were about economic realignment. Besides, Saler mentions in 2017 that some efforts were trying to eliminate the gold standard and progressive income tax implemented during the second round of New Deal legislation beginning in the mid-1930s. Then, in the 1960’s and early 1970’s, liberals were blamed for their economic actions placing capitalism first, and “at least, big corporations provided employment and, under union pressure, a decent level of wages and benefits.”(Michael, 1995). Then, in 2008, populism re-emerged following the great recession of 2008. Throughout the years, economic grievances have been leading waves of populism