A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Love Thy (Elected) Neighbor? Residential Segregation, Political Representation and Local Public Goods
Authors: Harjunen Oskari, Saarimaa Tuukka, Tukiainen Janne
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
Publishing place: Chicago
Publication year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Politics
eISSN: 1468-2508
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/723983
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1086/723983
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/176629078
We study geographic political representation and geographic distribution of local public goods within local jurisdictions with at-large proportional representation elections. We use detailed geo-coded data on politicians, the electorate and elementary schools. Descriptive analysis reveals that poorer neighborhoods are under-represented and that local politicians have a strong support base in their home neighbourhoods. Based on randomized election outcomes due to personal vote count ties, geographic representation has a causal effect on school closures. The probability of closure is cut in half when a candidate living close to the school is randomly elected. High-income residents react to closures by moving away from the neighborhood, thus reinforcing segregation.
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