On the measurement of diffuse support: Some evidence from Mexico

Abstract

A large body of theoretical research suggests a strong association between diffuse support for the political system and political stability. Yet, empirical research has paid little attention to the measurement of diffuse support, preferring instead to rely uncritically upon the Trust in Government index devised many years ago. This paper seeks to test a new measure, Political Support-Alienation with data from Mexico. The alternative measure is shown to have greater reliability and validity than the standard measure. Important implications for the interpretation of levels of diffuse support in Mexico emerge from the analysis. Data from the United states and Costa Rica are introduced to provide comparative perspective.