A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Love Thy (Elected) Neighbor? Residential Segregation, Political Representation and Local Public Goods




AuthorsHarjunen Oskari, Saarimaa Tuukka, Tukiainen Janne

Publisher The University of Chicago Press

Publishing placeChicago

Publication year2023

JournalJournal of Politics

eISSN1468-2508

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/723983

Web address https://doi.org/10.1086/723983

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/176629078


Abstract

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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Last updated on 2025-27-03 at 21:50