Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy

Duha Altindag () and Naci Mocan

No 15994, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: Using micro data on more than 130,000 individuals from 69 countries, we analyze the extent to which joblessness of the individuals and the prevailing unemployment rate in the country impact perceptions of the effectiveness of democracy. We find that personal joblessness experience translates into negative opinions about the effectiveness of democracy and it increases the desire for a rogue leader. Evidence from people who live in European countries suggests that being jobless for more than a year is the source of discontent. We also find that well-educated and wealthier individuals are less likely to indicate that democracies are ineffective, regardless of joblessness. People's beliefs about the effectiveness of democracy as system of governance are also shaped by the unemployment rate in countries with low levels of democracy. The results suggest that periods of high unemployment and joblessness could hinder the development of democracy or threaten its existence.

JEL-codes: J2 O1 P1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010-05
Note: EH LE
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

Published as Duha Altindag & Naci Mocan, 2010. "Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy," Journal of Labor Research, Springer, vol. 31(2), pages 99-123, June.

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Journal Article: Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy (2010)
Working Paper: Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy (2010)
Working Paper: Joblessness and Perceptions about the Effectiveness of Democracy (2010)
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