Electoral behavior: Contours of the theoretical field

In the modern political landscape, where electoral processes are an integral part of politics at all levels, from municipal to federal, the study of electoral behavior is becoming particularly relevant. This article offers an in-depth critical analysis of the main theoretical approaches used to explain the motives and patterns of electoral choice. The author examines the main models of electoral behavior: sociological, emphasizing the influence of social factors and group identity; socio-psychological, which studies individual attitudes, values, and perceptions; rational-elective, which assumes that voters seek to maximize their own benefits by making decisions based on a rational analysis of information. Special attention is paid to economic voting, a phenomenon in which voters are guided by the economic situation in a country, region, or their own situation when deciding whether to vote for a particular party or candidate. The theoretical novelty of the research lies in the integration and critical rethinking of existing models of electoral behavior. In particular, the study contributes to theory by offering a more nuanced understanding of economic voting that goes beyond simplistic models.