Company closures and the erosion of the political centre: Evidence from Germany

This article investigates the link between company closures and political preferences using German panel data. I first show that job loss due to a company closure leads to similar adverse labor market outcomes as those found in other countries. I then show that men become less likely to identify with political parties and mainstream parties in particular, while women become less interested in politics. Effects are stronger for individuals who see job creation and protection as a state responsibility and for lower skilled workers, but do not vary with the routine intensity or offshorability of the former job.