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SITE Seminar | Selecting the 'best'? Evidence from India on competing dimensions of politician quality

Welcome to the next SITE Seminar! On 7th of May, Prof. Francesca Jensenius from University of Oslo will present her working paper entitled "Selecting the 'best'? Evidence from India on competing dimensions of politician quality" at SSE and online via Zoom.

Working paper title: 'Selecting the 'best'? Evidence from India on competing dimensions of politician quality'

By: Francesca Jensenius

Abstract

Evidence suggests that politicians in advanced democracies outperform ordinary citizens on characteristics relevant for their suitability for office. Whereas stereotypes abound, much less is known about the quality of politicians in developing countries. Drawing on unique experimental and survey data on village-level politicians in West Bengal, India, we find some evidence of positive selection into office: first-time officeholders are more educated, motivated, and seem to have greater integrity than their constituents. However, they also have weaker cognitive abilities. Comparing first-timers with re-elected politicians, we also observe notable competence-inclusiveness trade-offs. These findings highlight that all «positive»  traits do not necessarily go together. Particularly in contexts where rent-seeking in office is a concern, measures of politician quality that fail to address tradeoffs between competence and integrity risk missing half the story.

About the speaker

Francesca Jensenius is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Oslo. Click on "Expand" below to learn more.

Francesca Jensenius specialize in comparative politics, comparative political economy, and research methods, with a regional focus on South Asia.

Her main research interest is how institutional design and electoral dynamics affect different types of inequality. 

Learn more about the speaker >>

Interested in attending the SITE Seminar at SSE or online via Zoom?

The link to the seminar will be distributed by invitation only. If you are interested in attending the seminar – please contact site@hhs.se. Follow the instructions below:

  • Type the subject box with “SITE seminar *INSERT SEMINAR TITLE*”
  • Indicate your affiliation and field of interest
  • Please also indicate if you want to attend in person or online

For registered applicants, a Zoom link will be provided prior to the event via email with further instructions.

Photo: fotogestoeber, Shutterstock

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