My research is centred on the field of democratic theory, with a specific emphasis on the formation, transformation and durability of citizens' preferences and identities. In other words, the extent to which governance can be inferred from citizens' attitudes or identities. My primary objective is to investigate the causes of changes in citizens' preferences and identities, the extent to which these can be attributed to larger socio-economic changes, and the extent to which they are exposed to political communication. This will define the space of political communication and facilitate an understanding of the possibilities for achieving democratic representation and accountability.