Year
2002
Series
Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 02-79
Published Version
Article in Economics and Politics, 14(1) (March 2003): 1-32
Abstract
We analyze the role of privatization in creating a constituency for economic reform, markets, and democratic institutions, focusing on the Czech Republic. Drawing on a 1996 survey, we examine the 1459 respondents' opinions on reforms, economic policies and systems, the legitimacy of transition, and democratic values. Using ordered probit estimation, we find that receiving property through restitution is strongly associated with support for reform and markets. Concerning voucher privatization, we find positive effects for participants retaining shares, but little impact of participation alone. Our simulations suggest that policy designs have substantial consequences for citizens' support of reforms, markets, and democracy.
Citation
Earle, John S., and Scott Gehlbach. 2002. "A Spoonful of Sugar: Privatization and Popular Support for Reform in the Czech Republic." Upjohn Institute Working Paper No. 02-79. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Issue Date
Revised: April 15, 2002
Sponsorship
Support provided by CISAC, the CEU Foundation, the Institute of Sociology - Academy of Sciences (Czech Republic), the Graduate Research Fellowship Program of the National Science Foundation, the Fullbright-Hays DDRA Program, and IREX
Subject Areas
GLOBAL ISSUES, Transition economies
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