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Education and democracy in the Arab world

Author

Listed:
  • Nouha Bougharriou

    (University of Sfax)

  • Walid Benayed

    (Higher Institute of Management of Gabès)

  • Foued Badr Gabsi

    (University of Sfax)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the relationship between education and democracy with a focus on the recent political events of the Arab Spring. In this regard, we examine the effect of five different measures of education on democracy using a dynamic panel regression model for a sample of 15 Arab countries over the period 1990–2013. The obtained results indicate that education fosters the emergence of democracy. Our findings are robust with respect to various determinants of democracy and to the choice of the sample period, suggesting that increasing education expenditure and improving educational access and equality are key policy priorities to promote the onset of democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • Nouha Bougharriou & Walid Benayed & Foued Badr Gabsi, 2019. "Education and democracy in the Arab world," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 52(2), pages 139-155, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:ecopln:v:52:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s10644-017-9221-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10644-017-9221-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bougharriou, Nouha & Benayed, Walid & Gabsi, Foued Badr, 2019. "The democracy and economic growth nexus: Do FDI and government spending matter? Evidence from the Arab world," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment E-Journal (2007-2020), Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel), vol. 13, pages 1-29.
    2. Bougharriou, Nouha & Benayed, Walid & Gabsi, Foued Badr, 2022. "Democratic transition and fiscal policy in the Arab world," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 46(2).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Democracy; Education; Dynamic panel; Arab world;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education

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