Perception of Economic Standing and Political Participation in Urban Neighborhoods

Abstract

This dissertation aims to address an unexplained aspect of the income-participation gap, particularly in instances where absolute income does not completely predict the resources needed for voting behavior, contrary to the predictions of resource theory. To establish a theoretical framework, I present a narrative in which the perception of relative wealth, derived from social comparison, leads to a sense of deprivation and, consequently, reduced turnout. Furthermore, the study investigates how the visibility of resources often triggers upward social comparisons, which can lead to a heightened sense of deprivation. Building upon this theoretical base, the study progresses to an extensive empirical examination, focusing on the impact of perception of relative income on political participation. Comprising four parts, it explores the complex relationship between income inequality, individual perceptions of their own economic status, and political participation. The study combines a survey experiment, which centers on individual perceptions, with a neighborhood analysis in the Chicago and Detroit metropolitan areas. The survey assesses how perceptions of relative wealth, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward the rich and the poor influence voter turnout. Simultaneously, the neighborhood study examines the impact of relative income and income inequality within communities on electoral participation. Key findings of this study reveal that, despite the null results from the initial survey, individuals’ perception of their economic standing significantly influences political engagement. This effect is contingent on one’s position on the economic spectrum because those at the extreme ends are less likely to rely on social reference groups such as neighbors for voting decisions. In metropolitan neighborhoods, a higher degree of income inequality correlates with lower voter turnout. However, this relationship shows variation when controlling for median income levels. Moreover, the unique socioeconomic context of Detroit aligns with the narrative that when extremely limited resources constrain economic priorities, relative wealth becomes a less significant factor in electoral participation. At the individual level, in Detroit, individuals with median and low incomes were more likely to vote in unequal neighborhoods, while in Chicago, the opposite trend was observed, with lower voter turnout in high-inequality areas. This research provides vital insights into the intricate relationship between economic perceptions and political behavior. It emphasizes important considerations for policymakers and political strategies, particularly concerning the influence of economic disparities and perceptions and the necessity of fostering neighborhood communities to bolster political engagement in urban areas. The findings, while not establishing a definitive causal link, pave the way for further exploration into how economic perceptions and local dynamics intertwine to shape voting behavior. This dissertation contributes to the broader discussion on political participation by highlighting the complex interactions between economic perceptions, neighborhood effects, and voter behavior.