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The Effect of Childhood Environment on Political Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Jacob R. Brown
  • Enrico Cantoni
  • Sahil Chinoy
  • Martin Koenen
  • Vincent Pons

Abstract

We estimate the effect of childhood environment on future political behavior. Linking national voter files to Census Bureau and commercial address data, we compare children who moved between the same counties but at different ages. Growing up in a county where their peers are 10 p.p. more likely to affiliate with the Republican Party makes children 4.7 p.p. more likely to do so. The effects are similar for Democratic affiliation and slightly larger for registration and turnout. Exposure during adolescence is especially influential and effects decay slightly after the first election. They reflect both state-level factors and more local forces.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacob R. Brown & Enrico Cantoni & Sahil Chinoy & Martin Koenen & Vincent Pons, 2023. "The Effect of Childhood Environment on Political Behavior," NBER Working Papers 31759, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31759
    Note: POL
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    Cited by:

    1. Gaia Dossi & Marta Morando, 2025. "Polarized Technologies," CEP Discussion Papers dp2116, Centre for Economic Performance, LSE.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • P0 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - General

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