Wolinetz Flashcards
What is the central concept of Wolinetz’s “Franchising the Franchise Party”?
That modern political parties increasingly resemble franchises, with centralized branding and leadership but decentralized, regionally autonomous operations.
How does the franchise party differ from the traditional mass party?
Unlike mass parties with deep grassroots engagement, franchise parties rely on professionalization, branding, and strategic communication, often with weak local memberships.
What is the role of the party leader in a franchise party model?
The leader functions as the franchisor, setting the brand and national message while local branches adapt to regional contexts.
How has campaign professionalization contributed to the franchise model?
It has shifted power from grassroots activists to consultants, media strategists, and central campaign teams, reducing internal democracy.
What technological shift reinforces the franchise party model?
Digital media and microtargeting enable centralized parties to customize messages for different regions without relying on local input.
How does the franchise model affect party cohesion?
It creates a unified national image while tolerating some regional variation, though this can lead to internal tensions or message inconsistencies.
How does the NDP compare to the franchise model?
The NDP is less franchise-like because it maintains a stronger ideological identity and relies more on traditional organizational structures.
In what way does the franchise model challenge brokerage politics?
While both prioritize broad appeal, franchise parties emphasize branding over coalition-building, potentially reducing the flexibility needed for brokerage.
How do franchise parties manage regional differences in Canada?
They allow regional campaigns to adapt the national brand to local preferences, while maintaining control over core messaging and leadership.
What is Wolinetz’s broader conclusion about party evolution in Canada?
That the franchise party model has reshaped Canadian political organization, coexisting with, but also complicating, traditional models like brokerage.
