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Peer effects in electoral participation: Evidence from a heterogeneous social network in rural China

Author

Listed:
  • Hang Fang

    (Anhui Agricultural University)

  • Ting Yu

    (Anhui Agricultural University)

  • Qianheng Qian

    (China Agricultural University)

Abstract

We investigate peer effects in electoral participation within Chinese village elections using a novel panel of data from a village in China. The results provide unique empirical evidence for the presence of a positive peer effect in electoral participation, that is, whether the household participates in voting is positively influenced by the choices made by other households from their social network. By distinguishing between strong and weak ties based on social distance, we reveal that weak ties are more important for promoting people going to the polls than strong ties, due to the information superiority of weak ties.

Suggested Citation

  • Hang Fang & Ting Yu & Qianheng Qian, 2025. "Peer effects in electoral participation: Evidence from a heterogeneous social network in rural China," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 45(3), pages 1457-1466.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-25-00202
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Tao, Ran & Su, Fubing & Sun, Xin & Lu, Xi, 2011. "Political trust as rational belief: Evidence from Chinese village elections," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 108-121, March.
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    4. William A. Brock & Steven N. Durlauf, 2001. "Discrete Choice with Social Interactions," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 68(2), pages 235-260.
    5. Jisheng Yang & Yanjun Cao & Jiaolong Li, 2023. "Peer effects on consumption in rural China," Applied Economics Letters, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 30(10), pages 1390-1394, June.
    6. Zhang, Xiaobo & Fan, Shenggen & Zhang, Linxiu & Huang, Jikun, 2004. "Local governance and public goods provision in rural China," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 88(12), pages 2857-2871, December.
    7. Luo, Renfu & Zhang, Linxiu & Huang, Jikun & Rozelle, Scott, 2007. "Elections, fiscal reform and public goods provision in rural China," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 583-611, September.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics
    • D7 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making

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