How Exposure to Local Inequality Shapes Political Efficacy and Participation?

• In Event: Experiments in Inequality, Fairness, and Redistribution

Abstract

Current evidence linking exposure to economic inequality with political participation is mixed. We present a novel survey experiment designed to probe the effects of local-level inequality on individual behavior by randomly assigning participants to virtually “explore” rich or poor neighborhoods in their city using Google Streetview. We then ask whether exposure to local level economic inequality induces social comparisons, and also whether such exposure affects respondents’ political efficacy and willingness to participate in politics. We seek to make two contributions. First, as a methodological contribution, we develop and test a new method of exposing participants to interactive, naturalistic experiences of local inequality. Second, as a substantive contribution, we measure the consequences of such experiences for political efficacy and participation.

Authors

• Kris-Stella Trump, University of Memphis

• Melissa Sands, London School of Economics