IDENTITY, BELIEFS, AND POLITICAL CONFLICT

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Bonomi, Giampaolo; Gennaioli, Nicola; Tabellini, Guido
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California San Diego; Bocconi University; Bocconi University; Bocconi University
• 刊物名称: QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0033-5533
• DOI: 10.1093/qje/qjab034
• 发表日期: 2021
• 页码: 2371-2411
• 关键词: redistribution evidence; polarization; preferences; categorization; ECONOMICS; SALIENCE; BEHAVIOR; origins

摘要

We present a theory of identity politics that builds on two ideas. First, when policy conflict renders a certain social divide-economic or cultural-salient, a voter identifies with her economic or cultural group. Second, the voter slants her beliefs toward the stereotype of the group she identifies with. We obtain three implications. First, voters' beliefs are polarized along the distinctive features of salient groups. Second, if the salience of cultural policies increases, cultural conflict rises, redistributive conflict falls, and polarization becomes more correlated across issues. Third, economic shocks hurting conservative voters may trigger a switch to cultural identity, causing these voters to demand less redistribution. We discuss U.S. survey evidence in light of these implications.