Suffrage, Capital, and Welfare Conditional Citizenship in Historical Perspective

This open access book examines disenfranchisement and voting barriers in ten self-governing and aspiring liberal democracies worldwide, before and after the introduction of so-called universal suffrage. Focusing on economic voting restrictions implemented through constitutional provisions and laws, it explores the various disqualifications that prevent people from voting. The notions of economic independence underpinning these restrictions have built and reinforced societal structures and power relations, particularly concerning class, gender, race, civil status, age, and education. Historically, voting rights have been celebrated as a symbol of inclusivity and equal citizenship. Yet, as contributors in this collection highlight, recent centennial celebrations of universal suffrage often depict it as a distinct milestone, overshadowing the voting restrictions that persisted post women’s suffrage. As democracy now faces new, concerted challenges, there is a compelling reason to revisit and question the narrative of the progression of democratic ideals.

1. Introduction.- 2. Earning the Vote with Honour. Suffrage, economic independence and gender in Norway, c. 1814 – 1919.- 3. Expanding the Electorate in Habsburg Austria, 1860s–1918: (Dis)Integrations of Economic and Educational Qualifications, Gender, and “Universal” Suffrage.- 4. Winning the vote in a “world without welfare”: Aotearoa New Zealand from representative government to a universal franchise, 1840–1933.- 5. Constitutional rights in conflict. The evolution of political and social rights in Denmark, 1849–1961.- 6. Money and the Vote: Economic Suffrage Restrictions in Sweden, Before and After the Introduction of ‘Universal Suffrage’ in 1921.- 7. Exclusion in Fine Print: Antidemocratic Ideals and Strategies for Electoral Exclusion in Brazil, 1881–1930.- 8. The politics, practices, and emotions of suffrage exclusion in Iceland, 1915–1934 .- 9. The Limits of Citizenship: Economic Barriers to Suffrage in 19th and 20th Century Canada.- 10. The Poor and Deservingness for Political and Social Citizenship: ‘Universal suffrage’ in Finland since 1906.- 11. Universal Suffrage, Inequalities, Welfare, and the ‘Gendered Voter’ in India: 1917 to the Present.

Fia Cottrell-Sundevall is Associate Professor of Economic History at Stockholm University, Sweden. Her research addresses issues of labour, gender, political rights, and military obligations in Sweden from the late modern period to the present.

Ragnheiður Kristjánsdóttir is Professor of History at the University of Iceland. She is the editor of the Scandinavian Journal of History, and has published works on nationalism, democracy, the politics of the left, and gender.