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Interregional Contact and the Formation of a Shared Identity

Author

Listed:
  • Manuel Bagues

    (University of Warwick, J-Pal, CEPR, IZA)

  • Christopher Roth

    (University of Cologne, briq, CESifo, CAGE, CEPR)

Abstract

We study the long-run effects of contact with individuals from other regions in early adulthood on preferences, beliefs and national identity. We combine a natural experiment, the random assignment of male conscripts to different locations throughout Spain, with tailored survey data. Being randomly assigned to complete military service outside of one’s region of residence fosters contact with conscripts from other regions, and increases sympathy and trust towards people from the region of service, as measured decades later. We also observe a long-lasting increase in identification with Spain for individuals originating from regions with strong peripheral nationalism.

Suggested Citation

  • Manuel Bagues & Christopher Roth, 2022. "Interregional Contact and the Formation of a Shared Identity," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 152, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:152
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Fremerey, Melinda & Hörnig, Lukas & Schaffner, Sandra, 2024. "Becoming neighbors with refugees and voting for the far-right? The impact of refugee inflows at the small-scale level," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Interregional Contact; Intergroup Exposure; Beliefs; Preference Formation; Identity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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