Does Ethnic Inequality Increase State Repression

Bibliographic Data

ID6236947
AuthorsFangjin Ye (0000-0003-3516-5465, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics), Seung‐mi Han (0000-0003-4284-8424, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, corresponding author)
Year2019
Volume52
Issue4
Pages883-901
Publication date2019-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCanadian Journal of Political Science (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0008-4239 • E-ISSN: 1744-9324
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0008423919000520
OpenAlexW2975330209
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited44

We argue that economic inequality between ethnic groups increases state repression. We contend that a high level of ethnic inequality fuels distributional conflicts between poor and rich ethnic groups. It also increases the salience of ethnic identity and promotes ethnic mobilization to challenge the status quo. This between-group tension creates collective grievances for ethnic groups, mounts challenges to incumbent governments and increases perceived threats to governments. The greater the perceived threats, the more likely that governments will employ coercive measures. We further argue that the impact of ethnic inequality on state repression is moderated by the level of democracy. Various institutional mechanisms in democracies increase the costs of repression, reducing leaders’ incentives to employ coercive measures, even when facing high levels of ethnic inequality. Evidence from 152 countries between 1992 and 2011 supports our arguments

Democracy · Demographic economics · Development economics · Economics · Ethnic group · Incentive · Inequality · Market economy · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Salience (neuroscience · State (computer science · Status quo · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Political Conflict and Governance · Politics and Conflicts in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Middle East · Psychology

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