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Are Political and Economic Integration Interwinded?

Author

Listed:
  • Bernt Bratsberg

    (Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research and University of Oslo)

  • Giovanni Facchini

    (University of Nottingham, CEPR, CES-Ifo, CReAM, GEP and IZA)

  • Tommaso Frattini

    (Universita’ degli Studi di Milano, CEPR, CReAM, IZA and LdA)

  • Anna Cecilia Rosso

    (Universita’ degli Studi di Milano, LdA and CEP)

Abstract

Economic incentives play a key role in the decision to run for office, but little is known on how they shape immigrants’ selection into candidacy. We study this question using a two-period Roy model and show that if returns to labour market experience are higher for migrants than natives, migrants will be less likely to seek office than natives. We empirically assess this prediction using administrative data from Norway, a country with a very liberal regime for participation in local elections. Our results strongly support our theoretical model and indicate that immigrants’ political and economic integration are closely intertwined.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernt Bratsberg & Giovanni Facchini & Tommaso Frattini & Anna Cecilia Rosso, 2019. "Are Political and Economic Integration Interwinded?," Development Working Papers 454, Centro Studi Luca d'Agliano, University of Milano.
    • Handle: RePEc:csl:devewp:454
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Folke, Olle & Rickne, Johanna, 2026. "The Seniority Ceiling: Why Some Immigrants Struggle to Rise in Political Office," CEPR Discussion Papers 21461, Centre for Economic Policy Research.
    3. Takele Ayele Lambebo & Mekonnen Bogale Abagaz, 2025. "Government Salary Increase: Is It Political Motive or Economic Necessity?," Public Organization Review, Springer, vol. 25(4), pages 2243-2255, December.
    4. repec:ces:ceswps:_11195 is not listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • J45 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Public Sector Labor Markets
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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