Is Tunisia’s Democracy on Its Deathbed? Social Capital, Economic Insecurity, Middle Class and Attitudes Toward Democracy

Riadh Ben Jelili ()
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Riadh Ben Jelili: Université de Bretagne

No 1666, Working Papers from Economic Research Forum

Abstract: This paper delves into the intricacies of Tunisia’s evolving democratic landscape, examining the factors influencing citizens’ support for democracy. Leveraging data from the Arab Barometer Wave VII survey, it investigates the relationships between middle-class status, individual social capital, economic insecurity, and democratic attitudes. In the backdrop of Tunisia’s unique context, characterized by a nascent democracy and economic turbulence, this research sheds light on critical dimensions of democratic resilience. Building upon a foundation of literature emphasizing social stratification, social capital, and economic insecurity, the paper formulates hypotheses to explore these factors’ impact on democratic support. Through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Generalized SEM (GSEM) analyses, the results challenge conventional assumptions, highlight the pivotal role of social capital, and underscore the adverse effects of economic insecurity. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the need for tailored policies to address these challenges and strengthen democratic values in Tunisia, offering valuable insights for emerging democracies worldwide.

Pages: 26
Date: 2023-11-20, Revised 2023-11-20
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Published by The Economic Research Forum (ERF)

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