Ethnic Inequality and Anti-authoritarianism in Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors

  • Moses Ogeny Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa
  • Karim Nchare African School of Economics

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/rea.v14i1.4789

Keywords:

Ethnic inequality, Wealth inequality, anti-authoritarianism, democratic support, sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Is ethnic inequality associated with aversion to authoritarian regimes and increase support for democracy as a means of influencing redistribution? Using four rounds of Afrobarometer panel data, covering 29 African countries and 353 distinct ethnic groups, and an ordered logistic model, we show that a rise in Between-ethnic inequality (BGI) is associated with an increase support for anti-authoritarianism and that its effects strengthen as Within-ethnic inequality (WGI) decreases. We  find that individuals most strongly support democracy when ethnic identity is reinforced by economic inequality. We also show that support for a change of regime is reinforced when some ethnic groups believe they are politically excluded from government.

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Published

2022-04-10

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Public Policy Lessons conference - special issue

License

Copyright (c) 2022 Karim Nchare, Moses Ogeny

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