POLS 1202 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Modernization Theory, Social Capital, Bourgeoisie
10 Sep 2018
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Document Summary
Keep looking at economic theories of democratic transitions. Richer countries are more likely to be democratic. Poor countries: regime does not matter for economic growth. Democracies and dictatorships grow at similar rates. Lack of investment in infrastructure, education, trade workers, etc. Democracy is part of and a result of a larger process of social development. Wealth is correlated with the development of democratic values. Economic empowerment leads to demand for political voice. Early industrialization undermines feudal society, creates demand for voice. Undermines traditional (non-elected) sources of authority (landlords and churches) Creates working class that can mobilize for inclusion. Wealth is correlated with changes in the nature of political conflict. Democratization places the rich and poor in tension via (potential) majority rule by poor. Big pie opens wealthy to possibility of (some) redistribution. Gows middle class who prefer both inclusion and stability. No bourgeoisie, no democracy (no middle class, no democracy) Preference for stability can make them anti-democratic in some cases.
