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Distributive Implications for Governing Party Constituencies: Evidence from Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Youjin Hahn

    (Yonsei University)

  • Kanti Nuzhat

    (North South University)

  • Hee-Seung Yang

    (Yonsei University)

  • Haishan Yuan

    (University of Queensland)

Abstract

We investigate distributive implications for governing party constituencies in Bangladesh, a young democracy where programmatic government transfers are yet to be established. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that having a member of parliament (MP) in the governing parties leads to greater household consumption and lower poverty. We find some evidence that governing party constituencies have better access to publicly provided goods and services, such as access to electricity. However, the quantile treatment effects (QTEs) of having a government MP are notably more pronounced at the high end of consumption distribution compared to the low end. Furthermore, the largest landowners, in terms of acreage, derive the greatest benefits. Interestingly, we find no evidence suggesting that the unequal QTEs stem from a structural transformation in the local economy facilitated by enhanced infrastructure. Our findings suggest that although poor households obtain some benefits from having a government MP, wealthy households disproportionately profit from the advantages brought about by their presence.

Suggested Citation

  • Youjin Hahn & Kanti Nuzhat & Hee-Seung Yang & Haishan Yuan, 2024. "Distributive Implications for Governing Party Constituencies: Evidence from Bangladesh," Working papers 2024rwp-237, Yonsei University, Yonsei Economics Research Institute.
  • Handle: RePEc:yon:wpaper:2024rwp-237
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Distributive Politics; Clientelism; Bangladesh; Election; Elite Capture.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • H42 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Publicly Provided Private Goods
    • H50 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - General
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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