Assessing the Relative Power Hypothesis: Inequality, Relative Income and Turnout

• In Event: Money, Debt and Politics

Abstract

This study adds to the literature on the effects of economic inequality on turnout. The relative power hypothesis argues that low relative income will decrease people's sense of political efficacy and engender political disillusionment. Economic inequality has therefore been argued to suppress political participation. The empirical analysis n this paper revisits and tests the original specification of relative power on an individual level. The study employs population-wide Swedish register data containing numerous socioeconomic variables, which have been matched with individual turnout information for the 2009 and 2010 elections. This unique dataset enables me to connect individuals to their local peers and to separate the effects of individual and peer income on voting. The results suggest that lower relative income does not lead to lower participation - if anything - higher peer income boosts turnout, all else equal. Hence, the relative power hypothesis is not supported.

Author

• Jan Szulkin, Department of Government, Uppsala University