Economic benchmarks and the rise of resentment in the developed world

Are citizens in developed democracies abandoning mainstream parties because they feel left behind? Are they reporting higher levels of resentment because of lack of generational mobility? Or, is it because they observe top incomes growing much faster than lower incomes?

While several authors have examined these relationships in isolation, there is a lack of research exploring the causal effects of these factors simultaneously. In 'Economic benchmarks and the rise of resentment in the developed world' researchers propose that these comparisons are benchmarks that citizens use to evaluate political systems.

The research will combine observational data, measuring the above variables, with an experimental analysis. By examining and comparing the variations in each motivating factor—from political disenchantment of mainstream parties, lack of economic mobility, or observed inequality—the project will model and benchmark measures of resentment and anti-establishment attitudes.

The project will contribute to the literature comparing the political economy of resentment, and to build the foundations for a longer-term investigation.