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Gender politics, environmental behaviours, and local territories: evidence from Italian municipalities

Author

Listed:
  • Chiara Lodi

    (University of Urbino Carlo Bo
    SEEDS)

  • Agnese Sacchi

    (University of Urbino Carlo Bo)

  • Francesco Vidoli

    (University of Urbino Carlo Bo)

Abstract

We investigated the impact of female politicians on waste collection in Italian municipalities in different territories observed over the years 2010–2019. We used a staggered difference-in-differences design to obtain a causal interpretation of the estimated effects. We find that the majority of women in the municipal council positively influence pro-environmental individual behaviour. The impact of a female-majority council is heterogeneous by region and more pronounced in areas with lower social capital. Female politicians as catalysts for positive change fade after 5–6 years, likely due to persistent social norms locally, thus stressing the need for additional cultural actions with long-lasting effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Lodi & Agnese Sacchi & Francesco Vidoli, 2025. "Gender politics, environmental behaviours, and local territories: evidence from Italian municipalities," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 74(2), pages 1-33, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:74:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s00168-025-01377-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-025-01377-3
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • R50 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - General
    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare

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