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How robust is majority voting as a social choice rule?

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  • Dimitrios Xefteris

Abstract

This article strengthens existing analysis concerning the effectiveness of majority rule. It demonstrates a one-to-one equivalence between the basic issue of social choice theory (the problem of selection of a well-functioning social choice rule [SCR]) and the problems that majority rule faces (it fails decisiveness in certain preference profiles). It is shown that whenever an SCR works well, majority rule works well, and in these circumstances, the SCR yields the same outcome as majority rule. So whenever majority rule works we can never do better by choosing an alternative SCR. When majority rule does not work well, then any other SCR will face a serious problem, too. The article defines the conditions underlying the concept of an SCR working well that enables these results to be established.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitrios Xefteris, 2014. "How robust is majority voting as a social choice rule?," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 66(4), pages 1006-1018.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:66:y:2014:i:4:p:1006-1018.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpu025
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    Cited by:

    1. Jac C. Heckelman & Robi Ragan, 2021. "Symmetric Scoring Rules And A New Characterization Of The Borda Count," Economic Inquiry, Western Economic Association International, vol. 59(1), pages 287-299, January.
    2. Dougherty, Keith L. & Heckelman, Jac C., 2020. "The probability of violating Arrow’s conditions," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).

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