Why are Western Europeans becoming more supportive of LGBT+ rights and gender equality, yet cast their votes for far-right parties that legislate against these very principles? López Ortega introduces a novel theoretical and methodological framework to explain how ethnic identities impact on citizens’ support for liberal values and their voting for far-right parties.
Employing cutting-edge methods, including AI-visual experiments that replicate real-world scenarios, he uncovers the causal mechanism behind the contemporary erosion of liberal norms; and develop ready-to-implement strategies to reverse this illiberal trend. Cooperating with an international LGBT+ rights organization, this research’s findings are poised to strengthen modern democracies.
Purpose of the research project
The research aims to tackle the subtle and often concealed forms of prejudice that persist against marginalized groups, even in societies that have made substantial progress in civil rights. López Ortega will develop AI-generated videos that manipulate content to replicate real-world scenarios within a controlled environment. These videos will form the backbone of a series of innovative experiments designed to understand the intricate ways in which social and political identities influence citizens' support for (il)liberal policies.
The AI-generated videos will present various scenarios that reflect everyday social interactions and political discourse. By altering specific elements in these videos, we can observe how participants react to different stimuli. For example, a video might show a public figure making a statement about LGBTQ+ rights, and by changing the context or the identity of the public figure, we can assess how these variables influence viewers' attitudes and opinions. These experiments will utilize advanced AI technology to create a highly realistic and immersive experience for participants, allowing us to capture subtle shifts in their perceptions and behaviors that traditional survey methods might miss. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how identity-based cues sway public opinion and political behavior, often in ways that are not immediately obvious.
Approach of the research project
Alberto López Ortega’s approach allows us to control for a wide range of variables and isolate the specific factors that drive changes in attitudes. By combining insights from political science, social psychology, and AI technology, López Ortega aims to shed light on the mechanisms behind identity-based polarization and the resilience of liberal democratic values. This research is not only methodologically innovative but also crucial for developing strategies to combat hidden forms of prejudice and strengthen democratic norms in an increasingly polarized world.
Liberal attitudes are fragile
“Through my research, I hope to show that these so-called liberal attitudes are often superficial and heavily influenced by the norms of their in-groups. This is a crucial insight because it challenges the traditional view that liberal values are stable and deeply rooted in Western Europe. Instead, I argue that these values can be quite fragile and conditional.”, López Ortega explains.
Another important aspect of the research is to address the issue of democratic backsliding. For a long time, people thought that increasing support for egalitarian values would protect liberal democracy. However, López Ortega suggests that polarized ethnic norms, even if they seem liberal, can lead to anti-immigration attitudes and support for leaders who undermine democratic institutions. This is a significant shift in understanding how democracies can erode from within.
"In essence, my research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the paradoxical support for illiberal policies among those who outwardly profess liberal values. By doing so, we can better address the root causes of democratic erosion and work towards a more inclusive and resilient society."
"I am very happy and genuinely surprised to receive the Veni grant. This award is a significant recognition of the hard work and dedication I have invested in my research. It also brings a profound sense of relief, as securing funding is always a competitive and uncertain process. Knowing that my research proposal resonated with the evaluators and was deemed worthy of such a prestigious award is validating. Receiving the Veni grant comes with an offer of an assistant professorship. This dual achievement is a significant milestone in my academic career. The recognition from both the grant and the permanent job reinforces my commitment to advancing our understanding of identity-based polarization and democratic resilience”, says Alberto López Ortega.
Bio
Alberto López Ortega is a postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He specializes in comparative politics, electoral behavior, representation, and public opinion. His research focuses on two key and interconnected challenges that modern democracies face: identity-based polarization and the erosion of sociocultural attitudes, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ perspectives in relation to liberal democracy. He is also specialized in understanding the discrimination patterns against LGBTQ+ and other minority political candidates within the European context. His methodological expertise is in quantitative techniques, with a specific emphasis on experimental survey methods. In 2025 he will start as an Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
About the Veni research grant
Veni, along with Vidi and Vici, is part of the NWO Talent Programme. Veni is aimed at researchers who have recently obtained their doctorates. Within the Talent Programme, researchers are free to submit their own subject for funding. In this way, NWO encourages curiosity-driven and innovative research.