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Inequality, Corruption and Support for Democracy

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  • Lourdes ROJAS RUBIO

    (Université de Cergy-Pontoise, THEMA)

Abstract

Do inequality and corruption erode support for democracy? Scholars have long theorised that long-term experience with a political system influences its support. However, the empirical evidence provided is weak. This study examines the effect of inequality and corruption on support for democracy in 119 countries over 30 years. It shows that inequality and corruption have a negative effect on support for democracy. These findings highlight the importance of inequality and corruption as determinants of support for democracy. Furthermore, this article investigates whether the effect of inequality on support for democracy differs between autocratic and democratic countries. It found a positive effect of inequality on support for democracy in autocratic countries. This empirical evidence suggests that the negative effect of inequality on support for democracy comes from long-term experience with a political system that has continually failed to accomplish its principles. The results are robust to different measures of inequality and corruption.

Suggested Citation

  • Lourdes ROJAS RUBIO, 2022. "Inequality, Corruption and Support for Democracy," THEMA Working Papers 2022-20, THEMA (THéorie Economique, Modélisation et Applications), Université de Cergy-Pontoise.
    • Handle: RePEc:ema:worpap:2022-20
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; corruption; political culture; democracy; support for democracy.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C26 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Instrumental Variables (IV) Estimation
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D73 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Bureaucracy; Administrative Processes in Public Organizations; Corruption
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General
    • Z18 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Public Policy

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