| dc.description.abstract | The master thesis investigates the formation of geographies of discontent in the Nordic region, focusing on the rural-urban divide. By analyzing voter turnout and support for populist parties using a Spatial Error Model (SEM), the research identifies key socio-economic and demographic factors influencing political discontent. The SEM was chosen to account for spatial dependencies in the data, which traditional regression models may not adequately capture. The findings reveal that regions with lower household income, higher unemployment, and greater income inequality exhibit lower voter turnout and increased support for populist parties, particularly in rural areas. This pattern aligns with broader European trends, suggesting that the underlying drivers of political discontent in the Nordics are part of a wider phenomenon. The study underscores the importance of addressing economic and social disparities to mitigate political discontent and maintain the social cohesion characteristic of the Nordic welfare model. | |