In most (if not all) advanced democracies, political attitudes and voting behavior are strongly geographically stratified. Which views residents hold on salient socio-political issues and which parties they support at the ballot box varies markedly at various geographical levels: Across subnational regions within countries, between rural and urban localities within regions, and even across neighborhoods within the very same localities. What drives these geographical differences and what are their political consequences?
To address these questions, this course offers a systematic overview of the political causes and consequences of spatial inequalities. We will explore empirical studies of subnational disparities in attitudes and vote choice, and link these to theories of residential choice, mobility, and exposure. Among other things, we will study empirical contributions that emphasize the role of regional economies, local housing markets, and place-based policies. In the final part of the course, we will investigate the consequences of spatial heterogeneity in attitudes and preferences for election outcomes, representation, and policy delivery. Seeing as we will strongly engage with quantitative empirical contributions, statistical literacy and prior undergraduate-level quantitative methods training is strongly recommended.
The language of instruction is English. The research paper (Prüfungsleistung) may be submitted in either English or German. Studienleistungen: 1 Discussion Memo; 1 Research Proposal + Presentation Prüfungsleistung: Research Paper (Hausarbeit; 5,000 words/approx. 15 oages)
Kurssprache: Englisch
- Lehrende/r: Denis Cohen