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Speaking Ourselves Closer: Linguistic Minorities, Social Cohesion and Local Development

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  • Giulia Ferrante
  • Luca Buzzanca
  • Arsene Perrot

Abstract

This study argues that regional development theories and policymaking have overlooked the role of local cultural characteristics and social cohesion in influencing local development through cohesion networks, proxim- ities and territorial identity. Supporting this statement through the Italian case study, we provide causal evidence from Difference-in-Differences estimates of the effect of social cohesion fostered by local cultural characteristics’ recognition in mitigating depopulation trends in peripheries after a place-based policy’s implementation. Linguistic Minorities-hosting municipalities retained 2.9 more inhabitants per 1,000 per year, a relevant but heterogeneously distributed effect with proximities-induced spillovers. This frames cultural characteristics as local public goods and policymaking tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Ferrante & Luca Buzzanca & Arsene Perrot, 2025. "Speaking Ourselves Closer: Linguistic Minorities, Social Cohesion and Local Development," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2530, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Aug 2025.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2530
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    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R58 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Regional Development Planning and Policy
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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