Politics & Governance / Domestic Politics / Democracy & Elections
Why Inequality Didn't Win the 2014 NZ Election: The Barking Dog That Didn't Bite
Barking but Not Biting: Inequality and the 2014 New Zealand Election
In 2014, New Zealand's election was dominated by debates over inequality, yet the center-right National Party won a third consecutive term. How could a issue that polls showed mattered so much to voters fail to shift the political landscape? This video breaks down the paradox from the book 'Barking but Not Biting: Inequality and the 2014 New Zealand Election' by Jack Vowles, Hilde Coffé, and Jennifer Curtin. We explore why inequality was a 'barking dog that didn't bite'—voters prioritized leadership, economic competence, and perceived government effectiveness over redistribution. Plus, we uncover how inequality itself disempowered the very people it hurt most, reducing their turnout. Watch to understand the real drivers of voter behavior and why fairness isn't always enough to win elections.
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