Abstract

In the presence of a social norm, which individuals are the first to defect and go against the grain? Can these “first movers” create bandwagons and large-scale norm change? I examine these questions in the context of a social norm of voting among rural citizens in east Africa. Using data from a lab-in-the-field voting experiment, I identify the trendsetters and investigate under what conditions norm change occurs. The data provide insights into how democratization might manifest in electoral authoritarian regimes.

Reference

Leah Rosenzweig, “Democratization Through Dissent: Trendsetters and Norm Change in East Africa”, IAST Lunch Seminar, Toulouse: IAST, December 11, 2018, 12:45–13:45, room MS 003.