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Homophily in Voting Behavior: Evidence from Preferential Voting

Author

Listed:
  • Lucie Coufalová

    (Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic)

  • Štěpán Mikula

    (Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic)

  • Michal Ševčík

    (Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic)

Abstract

Homophily is a strong determinant of many types of human relationships. It affects, for example, whom we marry and potentially also whom we vote for. We use data on preferential voting from Czech parliamentary elections in 2006, 2010, 2013, and 2017 matched with 2011 Census data to identify the effect of homophily on voting behavior. We find that a one percent increase in the share of the municipality’s population that has the same occupation or education level as the candidate increases the number of preferential votes that candidate receives by 0.7% or 0.5%, respectively. We also find that candidates who live in the voters’ municipality receive a substantially higher number of preferential votes.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucie Coufalová & Štěpán Mikula & Michal Ševčík, 2022. "Homophily in Voting Behavior: Evidence from Preferential Voting," MUNI ECON Working Papers 2022-04, Masaryk University, revised Feb 2023.
    • Handle: RePEc:mub:wpaper:2022-04
    DOI: 10.5817/WP_MUNI_ECON_2022-04
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    voting behavior; homophily; preferential voting; Czech parliamentary elections;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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