Political participation tends to be lower in areas facing socio-economic challenges, contributing to an unequal distribution of power and influence in society. But what are the underlying reasons for this disparity, and how can it be addressed?
The aim of this literature review is to identify and synthesise research on how to increase participation in general elections and democratic processes between elections in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. The review will explore the factors that explain these participation gaps, with a focus on both individual and neighbourhood-level influences, as well as the interaction between them.
The review is grounded in the belief that systematic differences in political participation across different regions pose a significant democratic challenge. Residents in certain areas can have fewer opportunities to influence the democratic process, which undermines the principle of equal participation. By examining the contributing factors, this review aims to offer a deeper understanding of how socio-economic segregation shapes political participation and to propose potential strategies for fostering more inclusive democratic engagement.
The author of the literature review is Karl-Oskar Lindgren, Professor at the Department of Political Science at Uppsala University.