How Does Homeownership Shape Political Views? Evidence from Property Records

• In Event: Homeownership, Residence, and Political Behavior

Abstract

Becoming a homeowner is perhaps one of the largest changes to economic incentives that an individual might experience in their lifetime, yet little is known about its role in shaping political attitudes. I combine deed-level data on homeownership in California and Texas with individual-level political contributions data and minutes from local city council meetings to study the role of homeownership in shaping political behavior and attitudes. Using a series of difference-in-differences designs, I estimate the effect of becoming a homeowner on the donation behavior of individuals as well as the frequency -- and types of -- public statements individuals make at local city council meetings.

Author

• Jesse Yoder, Stanford University