Summary
To rationally explain political participation, two factors must be taken into account:
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a)
the opportunity costs of the time expended, and
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b)
the productivity of time use in performing political activities.
Ceteris paribus, the higher a), the lower is participation and the higher b), the higher is participation. A combination of these factors gives the following tendencies.
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References
Dahl, Robert A., Who Governs? Democracy and Power in an American City. New Haven, 1961.
Downs, Anthony, An Economic Theory of Democracy. New York, 1957.
Lane, Robert E., Political Involvement Through Voting. In: B. Seasholes (ed.) Voting, Interest Groups, and Patries. Glenview (Ill.) 1966.
Milbrath, Lester W., Political Participation. How and Why Do People Get Involved in Politics? Chicago, 1965.
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Frey, B.S. Why do high income people participate more in politics?. Public Choice 11, 101–105 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01726215
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01726215