#10286
Mentioned in 3 episodes
An economic theory of democracy
Book • 1957
Published in 1957, 'An Economic Theory of Democracy' by Anthony Downs argues that economic theory can be applied to non-market political decision-making.
The book develops an analytical model that follows the paradigms of economic theory and adopts an empirical, data-led approach.
It introduces the concept of rational choice theory, where society is composed of rational actors pursuing self-interest.
Downs' model explains how voters and politicians behave in democratic systems, including the tendency of two-party systems to exhibit ideological convergence and the role of information costs in political decision-making.
The book also discusses the paradox of voting and the median voter theorem, which are central to understanding democratic politics.
The book develops an analytical model that follows the paradigms of economic theory and adopts an empirical, data-led approach.
It introduces the concept of rational choice theory, where society is composed of rational actors pursuing self-interest.
Downs' model explains how voters and politicians behave in democratic systems, including the tendency of two-party systems to exhibit ideological convergence and the role of information costs in political decision-making.
The book also discusses the paradox of voting and the median voter theorem, which are central to understanding democratic politics.
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Mentioned in 3 episodes
Besproken door 
Jesse Frederik en Simon Otjes ; Otjes beschrijft Downs' werk over economische theorieën in democratie.
Jesse Frederik en Simon Otjes ; Otjes beschrijft Downs' werk over economische theorieën in democratie.
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