“Improving People’s Lives”: The Socioeconomic Turn in Party Justifications for Constitutional Change

Abstract By performing a manifesto content analysis, this article maps the discourse of secessionist parties on constitutional change cross-case (Belgium, Canada, Spain, and the UK) and over time (1990–2020). The results show that secessionist parties are pragmatic organizations that also advance devolutionist demands as a steppingstone toward full independence. Concerning framing, the results identify an increasing trend toward the articulation of a socioeconomic case for constitutional change. Political issues such as governance are also important. Instead, identity-based frames are much less prominent in their discourse. As strategic actors, secessionists take these decisions to enhance their position in the electoral market.