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The Autocratic Root of Social Distrust

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Jin

    (Department of Economics, University of South Florida)

  • Xu Xu

    (Department of Political Science, Pennsylvania State University)

Abstract

This paper presents evidence that autocratic culture adversely affects social trust and civic engagement. Using a measure of individuals� inherited autocratic culture from their country of origin, we find that individuals whose ancestors migrated from countries with higher autocracy levels are less likely to trust others or to vote in presidential elections in the U.S. The impact of autocratic culture on generalized trust can last for three generations while the impact on voting disappears after one generation. These findings are consistent across the U.S. and Europe and are not driven by selection into migration.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Jin & Xu Xu, 2016. "The Autocratic Root of Social Distrust," Working Papers 0516, University of South Florida, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:usf:wpaper:0516
    as

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    File URL: https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/departments/economics/documents/XuJin2016Nov.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Trust; Autocracy; Elections; Immigration;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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