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A global map of amenities: Public goods, ethnic divisions and decentralization

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  • Seidel, André

Abstract

I analyze the effects of ethnic divisions on the provision of public goods in countries throughout the world. Using OpenStreetMap data, I construct a new, global dataset that pinpoints locations of public amenities, such as schools, hospitals, and libraries. I devise two new proxies to address the variability in the completeness of such data. I find that more autonomous subnational regions with a high degree of ethnic fractionalization provide significantly fewer productive public goods. Therefore, decentralization can decrease the provision of local public goods in areas characterized by higher levels of ethnic heterogeneity than those that prevail nationwide.

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  • Seidel, André, 2023. "A global map of amenities: Public goods, ethnic divisions and decentralization," Journal of Development Economics, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:deveco:v:164:y:2023:i:c:s0304387823000688
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2023.103113
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    3. Maksim Vlasov & Sergey N. Polbitsyn & Michael Olumekor & Hossam Haddad & Nidal M. Al-Ramahi, 2024. "Socio-Cultural Factors and Components of the Digital Economy in Ethnic Minority Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-14, May.
    4. Brandily, P. & Rauch, F., 2024. "Within‐city roads and urban growth," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 122580, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public goods; Amenities; Decentralization; Ethnic fractionalization; OpenStreetMap;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C82 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Methodology for Collecting, Estimating, and Organizing Macroeconomic Data; Data Access
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism
    • R53 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Public Facility Location Analysis; Public Investment and Capital Stock

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