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Revisiting the Origins of Populism: Social Determinants of Perón ´s First Victory

Author

Listed:
  • José J. Bercoff

    (Universidad Nacional de Tucumán)

  • Esteban Nicolini

    (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid/Universidad Nacional de Tucumán)

Abstract

An ecological analysis of the general election in Argentina in 1946 suggests that the votes for Perón were higher in districts with high levels of social and economic development (relatively larger proportions literates and industrial employees and relatively higher wages), more affected by electoral fraud and with a smaller specialization in export-oriented activities. The ecological inference analysis strongly suggest that this characterization of districts is also a good characterization of the groups supporting Peron in the election: literates (rather than illiterates), industrial employees (rather than the rest of the population), urban dwellers (rather than rural dwellers) and migrants (rather than natives) had significantly higher probability of voting Perón. The support for Perón originated in a variety of motivations from different social groups that reacted against the traditional political model.

Suggested Citation

  • José J. Bercoff & Esteban Nicolini, 2025. "Revisiting the Origins of Populism: Social Determinants of Perón ´s First Victory," Working Papers 374, Red Nacional de Investigadores en Economía (RedNIE).
    • Handle: RePEc:aoz:wpaper:374
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    File URL: https://rednie.eco.unc.edu.ar/files/DT/374.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Talassino, Mauricio Rodrigo & Nicolini, Esteban & Aráoz, María Florencia, 2026. "Consistent Local Geographic Units across Argentine Censuses, 1895-2022: Evidence from Economic Activity in 1895 and 1960," IFCS - Working Papers in Economic History.WH 48819, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. Instituto Figuerola.

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    JEL classification:

    • N46 - Economic History - - Government, War, Law, International Relations, and Regulation - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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