A Cross-National Comparison of Sub-National Variation

• In Event: 434 - Section on Sociology of Development Paper Session. Neglected Issues in the Sociology of Development

Abstract

Enriquez and Centeno (2012) highlighted that, in addition to being operationally opaque, the concept of state capacity has been confined to national and cross-national analysis, with inadequate attention paid to variations at the regional and subnational levels of the state. There is growing consensus that state capacity is not monolithic, but instead comprises capabilities distributed in distinct ways across sectors and institutions. In an effort to further develop the concept of state capacity and make it a more useful conceptual tool, our current research provides empirical evidence of the variable reach of the state with respect to the provision of services. Specifically, we provide case–based evidence of the contextualization required when state capacity is referenced, and underscore that even the same state can exhibit varying degrees of capacity throughout its borders. Finally, we make a significant contribution to the field by offering an analysis of capacity as a function of variation as measured by standard deviation.

Authors

• Elaine Enriquez, Princeton University

• Martin Sybblis, Princeton University

• Miguel Centeno, Princeton University