Homeownership and Societal Stability: Assessing Causal Effects in Central Eurasia
Abstract
Research Aim #1: The project examines whether, how, and why homeownership and other aspects of housing affect societal stability in semi-authoritarian contexts. Specifically, we set out to examine whether housing influences the extent and nature of political grievances (directed against various levels of government), social grievances (directed against groups in society), civic engagement (subjective efficacy, participation in organized civic activities and political behaviors), social capital (networks and generalized trust), and socio-economic ideology (support for markets vs. state redistribution), all of which, in turn, are predictive of societal stability (and instability). During the course of the project we developed two additional aims. Research Aim #2: In the course of our data collection we also sought to understand the nature and basis of public opinion in four post- Soviet countries regarding key issues of the day, such as support for the current governments, views of different types of political institutions, social attitudes, economic well being, and attitudes toward the United States, Russia, the conflict in Ukraine, and other foreign policy issues. Research Aim #3: We expanded the scope of our analysis to encompass a broader analysis of how economic, physical, and political forms of displacement can affect the risk of instability in post-Soviet countries. Background discussion of research aims: The US government promotes homeownership at home and abroad based on the proposition that homeownership promotes societal stability by improving living conditions, inducing respect for private property, and creating better citizens. However, there is little theoretical basis and scant evidence for these purported effects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1080633
Entities
People
- Theodore Gerber
Organizations
- University of Wisconsin–Madison