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A Note on Economic Inequality and Democratization

Author

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  • Dorsch Michael T.

    (Central European University, School of Public Policy, Nádor u. 9, 1051 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Maarek Paul

    (University of Cergy-Pontoise, Department of Economics (THEMA), 33 boulevard du Port, 95011 Cergy-Pontoise Cedex, France)

Abstract

This brief note revisits the empirical relation between economic inequality and instances of democratization. We argue that economic inequality may be an explanatory factor only following macroeconomic downturns. Our point generalizes – empirical peace scientists examining the likelihood of major political events should consider the possibility that explanatory structural factors may have heterogeneous impacts across macroeconomic cycles.

Suggested Citation

  • Dorsch Michael T. & Maarek Paul, 2014. "A Note on Economic Inequality and Democratization," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 20(4), pages 599-610, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:pepspp:v:20:y:2014:i:4:p:12:n:3
    DOI: 10.1515/peps-2014-0025
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    11. Frederick Solt, 2009. "Standardizing the World Income Inequality Database," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 90(2), pages 231-242, June.
    12. Paul Maarek & Michael T. Borsch, 2014. "Recessions, Inequality, and Democratization," THEMA Working Papers 2014-19, THEMA (THéorie Economique, Modélisation et Applications), Université de Cergy-Pontoise.
    13. Matteo Cervellati & Florian Jung & Uwe Sunde & Thomas Vischer, 2014. "Income and Democracy: Comment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 104(2), pages 707-719, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Dorsch, Michael T. & Maarek, Paul, 2020. "Economic downturns, inequality, and democratic improvements," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C).
    2. Vilde Lunnan Djuve & Carl Henrik Knutsen, 2024. "Economic crisis and regime transitions from within," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 61(3), pages 446-461, May.

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