European Journal of Government and Economics
The European Journal of Government and Economics (EJGE) is an international academic journal for peer-reviewed research on all aspects of government and economics. EJGE is particularly interested in current issues regarding the interrelationship between the fields of government and economics, from the role of government and institutions in the economy to the economic analysis of policymaking. It is also interested in questions directly or indirectly related to Europe.
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Analysis of industrial transformation and upgrading in resource-exhausted cities: evidence from city-level and enterprise-level panel data.
Massive and irrational exploitation of natural resources promoted the industrialization process, which formed different categories of resource-based cities. Although these cities have made dramatic contributions to socio-economic development in the last two decades, they are now facing grave problems due to resource depletion. Industrial transformation and upgrading are the only ways to cope with this situation. Therefore, this study utilizes the city-level and enterprise-level data to analyze the industrial transformation and upgrading of resource-exhausted cities in China. Both the macro- and micro-empirical results demonstrate that the central policy of the State Council has a positive feedback on industrial transformation. Then the findings of baseline regression are validated by robustness and heterogeneity tests. What’s more, the policy facilitates industrial upgrading by promoting transition to technology-intensive and high-value chain industries. Finally, we propose relevant implications for industrial transformation on the basis of the main findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yiwen Peng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Behaviorally-informed policies to reduce materialism among youth in Egypt: experimental evidence
Materialism, characterized by prioritizing material possessions over intrinsic values, has been shown to negatively impact well-being, social behavior, and economic activities. However, limited research addresses interventions to reduce materialism in non-WEIRD societies, particularly in the Middle East. This study examines the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in lowering personal materialism among Egyptian youth, a demographic displaying significant materialistic tendencies. Utilizing a survey experiment with 296 participants from Egypt’s 25 governorates, the study employed Richins and Dawson’s Material Values Scale (1992) to measure materialism. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: boosting self-esteem, fostering gratitude, or promoting empathy, in addition to a control group. Results indicate that interventions targeting self-esteem and empathy significantly reduced materialism overall score (p < 0.05) and (p < .01), respectively, and materialism score was associated with centrality, while self-esteem, gratitude, and empathy notably lower materialism in dimensions associated with success. However, no significant impact was observed on materialism's score. These findings highlight the potential of governance measures and behaviorally-informed policies in addressing materialism and suggest tailored interventions to promote intrinsic values among youth.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sidrah Khalil, Sarah Mansour, Marwa Shibl Biltagy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparative evaluation of Quality of Life indicators: towards developing a comprehensive standard model for measuring Quality of Life
This study aims to improve the understanding of quality of life (QoL) by evaluating key indicators, identifying influential factors, and assessing their relative weights. This study utilizes panel data from 181 cases across 32 European countries (2012-2017). The study employs exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to create a comprehensive QoL measurement model. Four primary factors were found to influence QoL in Europe: economy, health, education, and governance quality. The study compares five common QoL indicators—income, GDP, life expectancy, the Human Development Index (HDI), and the Legatum Prosperity Index—against this model. Results show that the HDI is the most balanced indicator, while others exhibit biases. The study emphasizes the need for more precise and comprehensive QoL measures and recommends applying exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to enhance them. Future research should validate the model in other regions and further improve QoL measurement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jalal Hafeth Ahmad Abu-Alrop https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Measuring the impact of democracy on gender equality: does choice of index matter?
Using a variety of indicators, the study tries to analyze the impact of democracy on gender equality for a sample of 159 countries across the world. For this purpose, the study used static panel data models and applied various tests of robustness to estimate the impact of democracy on gender equality. It is found that the effect of democracy on gender equality is uncertain and sensitive to the interchangeability of various gender equality indices. However, the replacement of various democracy indices does not cause any substantial change in the results. The impact of democracy on gender equality is almost insignificant, but certain components of democracy like political participation and government functioning have positive impacts in improving the levels of gender equality. Among the control variables, economic growth and population size emerge as the positive determinants of gender equality.
Copyright (c) 2025 Alka Singh, Archna Chaudhry https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Barriers and policy solutions for electric vehicle adoption in Spain: a multidimensional analysis
In Spain, the transport sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily due to the widespread use of fossil fuels. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a key component in transitioning towards sustainable mobility and transport decarbonization. The article presents novel insights into the interplay between economic, technical, regulatory, and social factors affecting EV uptake in Spain, distinguishing itself from previous studies, using a multidimensional approach. It not only identifies the main challenges but also proposes actionable solutions based on successful international case studies. These include enhancing financial incentives, expanding nationwide charging networks, ensuring consistent regulatory frameworks and promoting public awareness campaigns to dispel misconceptions about EVs, among others. By integrating these aspects, the research contributes significantly to the discourse on sustainable transport in Spain, aiming to provide a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders in achieving national climate targets.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bianca Cid, María Teresa García-Álvarez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The influence of economic factors on sustainable energy consumption: a comparative approach between the OECD and Western Balkan countries
This study investigates the influence of economic factors—such as energy use, foreign direct investment, inflation, GDP per capita, trade, population growth, and unemployment—on sustainable energy consumption (SEC) and renewable energy consumption (REC) across 38 OECD and 6 Western Balkan countries from 2010 to 2022. Adopting a comparative approach, the research sheds light on how varying economic contexts shape energy sustainability outcomes in developed and emerging economies. Using panel data from the World Bank and The Global Economy Database, we estimate regression models (OLS, fixed effects, random effects) and employ the generalized method of moments (GMM). We accounted for potential endogeneity with the use of GMM and verified it with Arellano-Bond and Sargan tests. The analysis found that GDP per capita and the openness of a country to trade were positively connected to SEC. Also, inflation and unemployment can serve as disincentives for the use of renewable energy. The findings provide insights for effective energy sustainable development thinking, especially given the economic development and goals for sustainable energy outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Atdhetar Gara, Argjira Bilalli, Artenisa Beka https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring determinants of VAT gaps using structural equation models: a MIMIC approach
This study explores the estimation of the VAT gap using the Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model, a specific type of structural equation model. The VAT gap, a significant indicator of tax revenue loss and inefficiency in VAT collection, is treated as a latent variable driven by various causes and reflected through specific indicators. Drawing on data from European countries, the model incorporates variables such as economic openness, government spending, corruption perceptions, and the e-government development index, each serving as proxies for underlying VAT collection challenges. This study presents a first-time application of the MIMIC model to the Czech Republic, estimating the VAT gap of 2003 – 2020 and revealing fluctuations between 27 % and 35 % of total tax liability, with stabilization at 31 % since 2016. The findings underscore policy areas for potential improvements in VAT compliance and collection efficiency, particularly through enhanced digitalization efforts and governance quality in tax administration by highlighting key factors contributing to the VAT gap.
Copyright (c) 2024 Iva Hasíková https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The role of the Water Framework Directive in enhancing water use efficiency in the EU
The increasing economic activity, population growth and urbanisation are placing increasing stress on Europe’s freshwater resources. The European Union's Water Framework Directive (WFD) aimed to establish measures to foster efficient use of this valuable natural resource while simultaneously protecting the environment. This study allows for an assessment of the Directive's application of public policies to a natural resource, assuming that the efficiency of water use is measured by water productivity. For the purposes of this investigation, purely economic variables and specific variables pertaining to the implementation of the WFD will be considered. The final econometric model indicates that variables with a positive impact, including research and development (R&D) expenditure and the governance index, necessitate the updating of facilities, the implementation of public control of the resource, and the encouragement of citizen interest in influencing EU policies. Conversely, variables with a negative impact, including population density and water consumption, indicate that as the utilization of a given resource intensifies, the efficacy of that utilization diminishes. The analysis by country indicates that the northern and more industrialised economies have more efficient water use levels. The evolution over time demonstrates that the WFD is being implemented more extensively in regions where it is most needed, resulting in increased productivity values in areas where they are currently lower.
Copyright (c) 2024 Amelia Pérez Zabaleta, Monica Borrat Sanjuan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Do geopolitical risks affect stock market returns and volatilities: an analysis based on the TVP-VAR model
This study examines the effects of geopolitical risk (GPR) shocks on stock market returns and volatility across G7, BRICS, and Gulf countries, using a time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) model. By analyzing responses over short, medium, and long-term horizons, our findings reveal significant variations in how geopolitical risks impact stock markets across different countries and timelines. We observe that GPR-related impacts on stock returns weaken over time, while volatility effects tend to strengthen, suggesting persistent risks for investors in these markets. These insights provide new perspectives for portfolio management and investment strategies during times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ahlem Lamine, Sirine Zribi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Unlocking regional value chains: Fintech’s role in the Western Balkans' integration into global markets
Digitalization and automation are restructuring the geographical landscape of operations and labor, significantly altering operations in global value chains (GVCs). Digital technologies are expected to boost resilience, enhance transparency, and foster sustainability in GVCs. In this context, this paper looks at how the application of fintech solutions fosters the creation of regional value chains (RVCs), increasing attractiveness and generating new opportunities for enterprises in the Western Balkan region to participate in GVCs To fill the existing gap for granular analysis at the industry level, the paper examines if enterprises in the Western Balkans that apply of fintech solutions in financial management have better opportunities to create RVCs than the ones that resist fintech implementation. Using a benchmarking instrument on fintech solutions implemented on 370 enterprises, this paper tries to identify industries with the highest potential to create RVCs and higher prospects for integration in GVCs. Our findings indicate that fintech solutions and applications can be one of the main driving forces in transforming and upgrading RVCs in Western Balkan countries.
Copyright (c) 2024 Gentjan Shaqiri , Jolta Kacani, Gazmend Qorraj https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Investor sentiment and Euro area ETFs: an empirical analysis of consumer behaviour
The goal of this article is to study the relationship between investor sentiment and Euro area Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), providing insights into the dynamics of market behaviour and the impact of consumer behaviour on investment patterns within the Eurozone. This paper has employed panel data analysis, correlation analysis, regression analysis, and the Granger causality test to investigate the relationship between ETFs and the consumer confidence index (CCI). Results suggest that CCI significantly negatively affects ETF pricing. While a weak positive correlation and regression relationship between iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF prices and CCI 19 Euro area markets have been found, the Granger causality test did not provide evidence of a causal relationship between the two variables. Other factors, such as financial stability, government regulations, and market-specific factors, may also affect ETF prices. The study concludes that, while CCI may be important, it should not be the only factor considered.
Copyright (c) 2024 Pavlo Dziuba, Maryna Hrysenko, Kyryl Shtogrin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Key competencies and role profiles for sports managers: a multi-dimensional analysis
Sports organizations, to be profitable and competitive, become structures that demand the integration of competent personnel with certain characteristics and specific attributes determined by the job profile. This position rests on the purpose of productivity through good performance to fulfill the mission, vision, policies, goals, or objectives of the organization. Preceding from the above, there is diversification regarding the competencies, attributes, elements, and operational components that a sports manager must adopt to practice their profession successfully. In this sense, the aim of this study is to determine the elements and ideal holistic components that integrate the competencies and job profiles of the sports manager in the professional context. The research methodology uses nine variables in three dimensions: one related to six levels of mastery in sports management, another that refers to competencies, and one more that focuses on the job profile, resulting in 15 specific traits that a sports manager must develop to be professionally competent.
Copyright (c) 2024 Daniel Carranza-Bautista, Manel Valcarce-Torrente, Blanca Esneda Amaya-Sánchez, Claudia Fernanda Rojas-Núñes https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Do rising interest rates matter for bank profitability? Evidence from Portuguese banks
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the profitability determinants of seventeen banks operating in Portugal from 2013 to 2023. The banking market has changed significantly, particularly since 2021, when Euribor grew rapidly to control inflation target. Methodologically, a hypothetical-deductive approach was used based on panel data collected from banks' published accounts. To generate results, grouped ordinary least squares were applied, as the Breusch-Pagan test confirms homoscedasticity, an essential assumption in this regression model. Internal variables considered include credit quality, capital adequacy, management quality, financial margin, and bank size, alongside an external variable, the Euribor. The findings reveal that credit risk, capital adequacy, management capacity, and Euribor are the most statistically significant for both return on equity and return on assets, with Euribor emerging as the greatest statistically significant variable. The analysis of Euribor as an explanatory variable represents the key contribution of this study relative to the existing and reviewed literature.
Copyright (c) 2024 Clara Pires, Carlos Borralho, Ana Cantarinha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Exploring citizen participation in fiscal control: insights from Manizales, Colombia
The objective of this study is to identify the fundamental determinants of citizen participation within the framework of the "Let's Take Control" initiative, implemented by the General Comptroller's Office of Manizales Municipality during 2020-2021, with a specific focus on fostering public participation in Fiscal Control. Utilizing a two-stage mixed-method methodology, the research encompasses surveys administered to citizen observers, municipal officials, and the general population, followed by a descriptive exploratory analysis. Subsequent to data collection, a series of statistical analyses is conducted, including chi-square and ANOVA tests, along with Ordinary Least Squares Linear Regression. Additionally, a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) is estimated. The findings unequivocally demonstrate a positive impact on citizen participation facilitated by the "Let's Take Control" strategy. Furthermore, positive correlations emerge between participation frequency and variables such as invitations to participation exercises, age groups of participants, and their socio-economic strata within events organized by the General Comptroller's Office of Manizales Municipality-Colombia.
Copyright (c) 2024 Carlos David Cardona-Arenas, Johary Andrea Campuzano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Democracy, governance, and environmental policy effectiveness: a cross-country analysis with Sustainable Governance Indicators
The effectiveness of environmental policies has been extensively studied, often focusing solely on environmental degradation indicators. However, successful environmental policies have broader societal impacts. This study addresses this limitation by utilizing the Sustainable Governance Indicators (SGIs) for a more comprehensive measurement of environmental policy effectiveness. Analyzing 41 countries with data from 2014-2021, a fixed-effects model was employed to assess the impact of democratic and good governance practices on environmental policy success. The findings reveal that democracy and government quality are crucial determinants of effective environmental policies, highlighting the need for improved institutional structures. The robustness of these results is confirmed using alternative democracy and governance indicators. Additionally, the study identifies education, urbanization, and population density as significant factors influencing environmental policy performance.
Copyright (c) 2024 Sevi Dokuzoğlu, Arif Eser Güzel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Unveiling the impact of European Structural Funds for innovation in Andalusia, Spain
This study evaluates the impact of European Union Structural Funds for innovation on key business indicators related to growth, profitability, and innovation at the regional level. We use the case of Andalusia during the period 2007-2020, a Spanish region benefiting from these funds, focusing on the ERDF-Innterconnecta program which supports business collaboration in R&D projects. While some indicators, showed improvement, others did not. By analyzing these mixed results, we aim to inform the planning, design, and implementation of future regional innovation policies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Diego Sande Veiga https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Public-private partnerships caught in a trust-trap and the potential role of information: the burden of divergent rationales
Trust is known to be beneficial for cooperation, though remains underdeveloped in public-private partnerships (PPPs), which are caught in a trust trap due to the cooperative regime’s internal heterogeneity. Accordingly, PPP’s inherent trust relationship is disentangled, and the burden of divergent actor rationales is introduced. We hypothesize that potential PPPs find themselves ex ante in a situation that requires certain repair mechanisms before the ‘usual’ venues of trust development can become effective. As such, exogenous information is theorized as quasi-substitute for relational experience that may support the development of a ‘leap of faith’. Theoretical considerations are tested by a vignette experiment with representatives of both the public and the private sector. Within and between-group analyses find strong support for the burden of divergent rationales and stable levels of (role-based) trust. However, the effect of the information treatment on trust levels is limited.
Copyright (c) 2024 Moritz Kappler, Rahel Schomaker, Michael Bauer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Impact of government quality on post-COVID subjective well-being in Pakistan: the mediating role of financial stress
COVID-19 has badly affected the psychological well-being of people all over the globe, especially in developing countries, due to the loss of jobs, social capital and stress. The present study is also designed to analyze the impact of government quality on subjective well-being (SWB) after the pandemic through the mediating role of financial stress. This study uses the data of 599 respondents in Pakistan and applies mixed methodology in Generalized Structure Equation Model (GSEM) structure with Tobit and order logit. Results reveal that people perceived more financial and economic stress and perceived poor satisfaction with the government’s role in fighting the pandemic. Regression analyses confirmed that least economic stress, good perceived governance, and high level of income are negatively associated with financial stress and positively relate to happiness and life satisfaction. Moreover, a significant relationship exists between the mediator (financial stress) and SWB. Our results suggest government bodies should encourage investment for business start-ups. This will not only reduce unemployment and economic and financial stress but also expand the size of the economy, which leads to achieving the wellbeing of people.
Copyright (c) 2024 Muhammad Hassan Danish, Muhammad Ashfaq, Salman Azam Joiya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Reviving Social Europe: a critical assessment of EU social policy in the wake of multiple crises
The concept of "Social Europe" encompasses the European Union's social policy framework. This paper argues that the financial crisis of 2007-2009, the subsequent Euro crisis, and the ensuing austerity measures diverted significant attention away from Social Europe. This neglect led to declining living standards, reductions in public services, and the emergence of critical challenges such as the gig economy. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these issues, prompting a renewed focus on Social Europe by EU institutions. This paper conducts a chronological analysis of recent legislative (acquis) and non-legislative (soft power) instruments implemented to address these challenges and assesses the prospects of Social Europe in the near term.
Unleashing entrepreneurial potential in transition economies: a comparative analysis of the impact of macro and micro policies
This study investigates the relationship between macroeconomic and microeconomic policies and entrepreneurial dynamics in two economies transitioning from planned economies to free markets, comparing them to a developed economy. Macroeconomic policies, despite not directly targeting entrepreneurship, significantly impact entrepreneurial dynamics. Conversely, microeconomic policies specifically aim to promote and enhance entrepreneurial activity. The analysis links policy quality to key entrepreneurial indicators: new firm creation, incumbent firm survival, and overall firm stock. Findings reveal that while transition economies often adopt entrepreneurship policies similar to developed nations, some remain country-specific. These policy variations manifest in distinct entrepreneurial dynamics across the economies.
Assessing privatization efficiency in CIS countries: financial, non-financial, and GDP-linked indicators
This study investigates the impact of privatization on the relationship between gross capital accumulation, employment, labor resources, government spending, and gross domestic product (GDP) in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Employing econometric analysis and cointegration evaluation, the study reveals that privatization has had a mixed impact on CIS economies. While privatization has contributed to increased capital accumulation and employment in some countries, it has also led to reduced labor resources and government spending in others. The study also finds that government spending is an indirect indicator of privatization efficiency that significantly influences GDP in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
Copyright (c) 2023 Jun Chen, Talgat Yerzhanov, Svetlana Shcheglova, Anar Mirzayev
Has COVID-19 changed the correlation between cryptocurrencies and stock markets?
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the notion that cryptocurrencies are uncorrelated with traditional asset markets. This study uses VAR-OLS techniques to investigate the time-varying correlation between Bitcoin and three major European stock market indices from January 4, 2016, to February 26, 2021. Our results show that cryptocurrencies and stock markets are dependent during crisis periods, but not during non-crisis periods. This confirms the time-varying correlation between cryptocurrencies and stock markets, which depends on the extent and persistence of responses to own and cross shocks. To improve the robustness of our results, we also test the impact of government measures on Bitcoin and stock market indices and find that they are both affected by these measures. Our study adds to the literature by examining the impacts of pandemics on the correlations between Bitcoin returns and the stock market, oil, and gold index returns, which have so far been unaddressed.
Copyright (c) 2023 Ines Abdelkafi, Youssra Ben Romdhane, Sahar Loukil
Long-term relationship between investment and economic growth: a cointegration analysis of OECD countries
This article investigates the impact of domestic investments on economic growth in OECD countries from 2000 to 2020. It identifies factors affecting economic growth and analyzes the relationship between domestic investments and economic growth using econometric models. Empirical data from the World Bank, IMF, and OECD reports supports the positive impact of domestic investments on economic growth in OECD countries. The study also finds a long-term causality between GDP and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF). These findings offer valuable insights into investment dynamics and their effects on economic growth, informing governments and policymakers in OECD countries.
Copyright (c) 2023 Fisnik Morina, Valdrin Misiri, Fitore Gashi
Tourism, growth, and carbon emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa: a balancing act
Tourism is one of the major determinants of global economic growth, creating jobs within the sector, and Africa is no exception. The target of the sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries is to consider tourism as an alternative means of economic expansion. However, tourism is a means of environmental imbalance. This study investigates the complex relationship between tourism, economic growth, and carbon emissions in 47 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2005 to 2020. While economic growth significantly increases carbon emissions, tourism revenue shows a potential mitigating effect. Trade openness also contributes to emissions, while employment shows a negative correlation. These findings highlight the need for stricter environmental regulations and policies that leverage the region's labor surplus for sustainable tourism practices. Implementing such measures is crucial for minimizing the environmental damage associated with foreign direct economic activities and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Copyright (c) 2024 Merith Ifeoma Anaba, Jayanthi R. Alaganthiran, Kafilah Lola Gold, Folorunso Obayemi Tamitope Obasuyi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
External economies of scale, government purchasing commitment and welfare improvements in the vaccines industry
Some industries exhibit external economies of scale. In these cases,the introduction of self-financing tax subsidy programmes canimprove social welfare. This paper advocates intervention incompetitive markets if economies of scale existand implementing the policy is inexpensive.
Copyright (c) 2012 Pedro Garcia-del-Barrio
The gains from early intervention in Europe: Fiscal surveillance and fiscal planning using cash data
The use of real-time cash data allows us to make accurate intra-annual forecasts of an economy’s fiscal position, and to issue early warning signals for the need to correct fiscal imbalances. This paper shows how those signals can be used to design the necessary fiscal corrections, and discusses the gains that can be achieved from such interventions. Examples from Germany and Italy show that large corrections are often necessary early on to make adjustments later on acceptable and to keep debt ratios from escalating. There is a credibility issue here; we find the difference between front-loaded and back-loaded adjustment schemes is likely to be vital for the time consistency of fiscal policymaking. We also show that, without early interventions, the later deficit reductions typically double in size – meaning governments become subject to the excessive deficit procedure and significant improve-ment tests more often. Thus the budget savings from early intervention and the use of cash data are significant; in our examples they are similar in size to the operating budget of the department of housing and urban development in Germany. Similar results apply in other Eurozone countries.
Copyright (c) 2012 Andrew Hughes Hallett, Moritz Kuhn, Thomas Warmedinger
Regional demands for policy participation in the EU multilevel system
Over the past 50 years, an increasing amount of political authority has been delegated to the regional government level in Europe. This paper analyses regional demands for involvement in policy-making by focusing on the preferences of top-level regional civil servants (“regio-crats”). A survey (n=347) of regio-crats in 60 regions of 5 European Union member states serves as the empirical basis for the analysis of regional demands for policy involvement in the multilevel system. The data reveal differential patterns of demands. By and large, regio-crats emerge as being conservative, incremental and modest in their wishes for greater policy involvement, except where the regional contexts are characterised by substantial emancipatory political ambitions or cultural distinctiveness. Regional demands for policy participation in the multilevel system are pragmatic, patch-worked and incremental, and more conservative than transformative.
Copyright (c) 2012 Philipp Studinger, Michael W. Bauer
Social capital in Spain: Are there gender inequalities?
Social capital is an asset for individuals because it grants access to important resources embedded in their social networks. But social capital is not evenly distributed among different groups. Gender groups are analysed in this paper in order to examine if there are differences in diverse indicators of social capital and whether these possible differences remain when control variables are considered. The data used in this paper come from a representative sample of 3,400 people in Spain. The main results show gender differences in the access, mobilisation and type of social networks, as well as in the extent and type of social participation. However, these differences are mostly reduced for the groups in more advantageous social positions, which have the possibility to contact with greater and more varied groups, or which have been educated in less traditional gender roles. In general, gender inequalities in social capital remain for the other groups.
Ceausescu’s population policy: a moral or an economic choice between compulsory and voluntary incentivised motherhood?
The purpose of this paper is to explain why, in 1966, the Romanian leadership adopted a wholly restrictive pronatalist policy, based on the strict limitation of abortion, instead of one based on socioeconomic incentives to families, as suggested by technocrats. Previous literature shows disagreement on whether the choice was motivated by moralistic or economic considerations. In order to find an answer to this question, hundreds of pages of archival material unpublished so far have been analysed, including the minutes of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, statistics, documents identified in the Ministry of Health Archive, and the technical reports that were on the table at the time of the decision. The conclusion of this study, drawn on the basis of these documents, indicates that at the time of 1966, regardless of the suggestions of the technocrats, a decision had already been taken by Ceausescu himself. This decision was influenced directly by economic considerations, namely the wish to obtain the maximum pronatalist effect at a minimum budgetary cost.
Government vs opposition voting in the Finnish parliament Eduskunta since World War II
In a parliamentary system it is by definition justified to assume the government parties voting almost always in a unitary manner in plenary votes. In a multiparty system it is, however, hard to predict how the opposition groups vote. Few studies analysing government-opposition voting in the Finnish parliament Eduskunta were published during the 1960s and 1970s. This study provides similar analyses regarding the parliamentary years of 1991-2012. Combined the studies provide an insight into the government-opposition relations since World War II. The results show that before the 1990s the government-opposition division in plenary votes appeared rather clear and the political party groups’ positions followed the traditional left-right dimension. Since the 1990s, the government-opposition division has become greater. The governing coalition acts almost as a bloc while the opposition groups are divided into moderate and hard opposition. The opposition groups, however, appear in a more or less random order. Consequently, since the 1990s the left-right dimension has disappeared with respect to plenary voting.