Suffrage, Capital, and Welfare

This open access book examines disenfranchisement and voting barriers in ten self-governing and aspiring liberal democracies worldwide, before and after the introduction of so-called universal suffrage. Focusing on economic voting restrictions implemented through constitutional provisions and laws, it explores the various disqualifications that prevent people from voting. The notions of economic independence underpinning these restrictions have built and reinforced societal structures and power relations, particularly concerning class, gender, race, civil status, age, and education. Historically, voting rights have been celebrated as a symbol of inclusivity and equal citizenship. Yet, as contributors in this collection highlight, recent centennial celebrations of universal suffrage often depict it as a distinct milestone, overshadowing the voting restrictions that persisted post women's suffrage. As democracy now faces new, concerted challenges, there is a compelling reason to revisit and question the narrative of the progression of democratic ideals.

This book is open access, which means that you have free and unlimited access Provides examples of exclusion from countries that are typically not discusses in literature on the development of Western democracy Explores economic restrictions on voting and how they intersect with class and gender, revealing the complexities of political citizenship Highlights cases from smaller nations of the Global North, such as New Zealand, as well as countries with varying demographic development

Autorentext

Fia Cottrell-Sundevall is Associate Professor of Economic History at Stockholm University, Sweden. Her research addresses issues of labour, gender, political rights, and military obligations in Sweden from the late modern period to the present.

Ragnheiður Kristjánsdóttir is Professor of History at the University of Iceland. She is the editor of the Scandinavian Journal of History, and has published works on nationalism, democracy, the politics of the left, and gender.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Earning the Vote with Honour. Suffrage, economic independence and gender in Norway, c. 1814 1919.- 3. Expanding the Electorate in Habsburg Austria, 1860s1918: (Dis)Integrations of Economic and Educational Qualifications, Gender, and Universal Suffrage.- 4. Winning the vote in a world without welfare: Aotearoa New Zealand from representative government to a universal franchise, 18401933.- 5. Constitutional rights in conflict. The evolution of political and social rights in Denmark, 18491961.- 6. Money and the Vote: Economic Suffrage Restrictions in Sweden, Before and After the Introduction of 'Universal Suffrage' in 1921.- 7. Exclusion in Fine Print: Antidemocratic Ideals and Strategies for Electoral Exclusion in Brazil, 18811930.- 8. The politics, practices, and emotions of suffrage exclusion in Iceland, 19151934.- 9. The Limits of Citizenship: Economic Barriers to Suffrage in 19th and 20th Century Canada.- 10. The Poor and Deservingness for Political and Social Citizenship: 'Universal suffrage' in Finland since 1906.- 11. Universal Suffrage, Inequalities, Welfare, and the 'Gendered Voter' in India: 1917 to the Present.