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Exploring polarisation in economic hardship among Italian macro-regions

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  • Gabriele Ruiu

    (University of Sassari)

Abstract

Economic polarisation in a society may be defined as the creation of groups with strong within-group identity and significant distance from other groups, where the distance is measured in terms of income. The literature on social conflicts considers polarisation a menace to political stability. Italy is characterised by a wide economic divide between the north and the south. This paper investigates the polarisation among Italian macro-regions in 2004–2016. We find that polarisation is low across the country. Paradoxically, the large inequalities inside each region, by hampering the formation of group identity, have hindered the increase in polarisation.

Suggested Citation

  • Gabriele Ruiu, 2023. "Exploring polarisation in economic hardship among Italian macro-regions," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 57(1), pages 787-817, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:qualqt:v:57:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s11135-022-01370-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01370-4
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