Abstract

The thesis investigates the impact of extra-individual factors on electoral participation, by providing a comprehensive theoretical framework aimed at highlighting the role of context. In particular, it analyzes the key-concepts of mobilization and interpersonal influence, with a focus on the Italian case. Both experimental and survey data are employed to answer the research questions. Concerning mobilization, main findings show that personal forms of contact, such as face-to-face interactions with party members, are more successful than impersonal forms, which prove to be ineffective. When looking at the interpersonal influence, the thesis shows that the exposure to political disagreement has differentiated effects on turnout, depending on the level of cohesiveness of the social circle where disagreement is experienced.