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Predicting satisfaction with democracy in Germany using local economic conditions, social capital, and individual characteristics

Author

Listed:
  • Tim Friehe

    (University of Marburg
    CESifo
    EconomiX)

  • Christian Pfeifer

    (Leuphana University Lueneburg
    Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit (IZA))

Abstract

This paper explores the empirical relationship between local economic conditions, social capital, and individual characteristics on the one hand and satisfaction with democracy on the other hand, using detailed information from the German Socio-Economic Panel. In contrast to previous literature, we focus on economic conditions at the state level instead of the national one. We find that local economic conditions, proxies of social capital, and individual characteristics (e.g., risk attitude, reciprocity, past unemployment experience) are important correlates of satisfaction with democracy and that some heterogeneity between genders, West and East Germany, and people with and without college degree exists in the data.

Suggested Citation

  • Tim Friehe & Christian Pfeifer, 2024. "Predicting satisfaction with democracy in Germany using local economic conditions, social capital, and individual characteristics," Economics of Governance, Springer, vol. 25(3), pages 335-377, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ecogov:v:25:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s10101-024-00315-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10101-024-00315-x
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