Entendendo o apoio a políticos de esquerda e direita : o papel de variáveis demográficas, cognitivas e fundamentos morais no Brasil e Estados Unidos

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to understand political support through demographic, cognitive, and moral foundation variables in both Brazil and the United States (U.S.). Study 1 sought to examine the relationships between moral foundations, transgressions, cognitive dissonance, and political orientation. Additionally, it aimed to investigate the role of moral foundations and sociodemographic variables in candidate support. A total of 473 Brazilians (M = 27.92; SD = 9.78) and 206 Americans (M = 36; SD = 13.01) participated, responding to the Moral Transgressions Questionnaire (MTQ), the Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ), cognitive dissonance and support reduction questions, and sociodemographic questions. Initially, the suitability of the MTQ was assessed in Brazil (CFI = 0.90; TLI = 0.90; RMSEA = 0.067) and the U.S. (CFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.048). The findings indicated that transgressions related to liberty and care were considered more severe by left-wing voters in both countries, whereas justice-based transgressions were viewed as more severe by right-wing voters in Brazil and by left-wing voters in the U.S. Furthermore, moral transgressions correlated positively with cognitive dissonance and negatively with support reduction. Additionally, binding foundations positively correlated with political orientation and support for right-wing politicians, aligning with the literature. Finally, sociodemographic variables such as age, religiosity, and education, along with moral foundations, were found to be indicators of political support in both countries. Study 2 aimed to examine the role of moral foundations and cognitive variables in explaining support for candidates and their opponents when hypothetical transgressions were attributed. The sample included 269 Brazilians (M = 30.5; SD = 12.87) and 300 Americans (M = 45.23; SD = 14.65), who completed the same instruments as in Study 1, along with the Need for Cognition Scale and the Cognitive Reflection Test. Through transgression scenarios, it was observed that voters tend to continue supporting their candidates even after hypothetical violations. To explain support for the preferred candidate and their opponent, political orientation played a major role, followed by moral foundations and, lastly, cognitive variables. The findings suggest that certain moral foundations are prioritized by voters, providing insights into how they react to moral transgressions and what differentiates these groups.