Migrant political transnationalism: a socio-political analysis of the electoral behavior of Brazilian expats
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Abstract
Why did Brazilians living in Massachusetts show their electoral support for Jair Bolsonaro with 86% of the vote while those in the home polity did so by only 55%? What makes the Brazilian immigrant predisposed to elect a radical candidate in large numbers? I hypothesized that discrimination, religion, and use of more narrowly owned or controlled media drive this particular electoral behavior. This theory is tested using a mix of light quantitative and heavy qualitative data collection. Interviews with participants help garner a more concrete understanding of how political conceptions are forged. I found that discrimination and political behavior were not directly linked, but indirectly related. Religion, specifically Christian institutions were indicators of a pro-Bolsonaro stance. And the use of smaller media modes propounded undiluted thought to its recipients, expanding on their conservative views of the world.