Confidence in Public Bodies, and Electoral Participation in India

Abstract

Most studies on distribution in developing countries are concerned with the distribution of material resources, most usually income or consumption, and sometimes wealth. On the other hand, most studies on social capital are grounded in countries of the developed world. In this article, we depart from both traditions by analysing the distribution of social capital in a developing country (India). In so doing, we establish a link with the subject matter of political economy by examining the relationship between the distribution of social capital, the distribution of confidence in public bodies and electoral participation. Results show that participation in social activities is strongly correlated to trust in public bodies, which in turn favours participation in political life through voting. However, contrary to results obtained in different contexts, individuals belonging to discriminated groups tend to have more confidence in institutions.