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Are Political and Economic Integration Intertwined?

Author

Listed:
  • Bratsberg, Bernt

    (Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research)

  • Facchini, Giovanni

    (University of Nottingham)

  • Frattini, Tommaso

    (University of Milan)

  • Rosso, Anna

    (University of Milan)

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

  • Bratsberg, Bernt & Facchini, Giovanni & Frattini, Tommaso & Rosso, Anna, 2019. "Are Political and Economic Integration Intertwined?," IZA Discussion Papers 12659, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp12659
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    immigration; local elections; candidacy decision; labour markets;
    All these keywords.

    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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