The Political Power of Mr. Average
Tuesday, 22 October, Little Hall (5 pm)
The Cambridge Society for Economic Pluralism is delighted to invite you to its first Michaelmas panel discussion on the political and economic implications of the median voter theory, with:
Dr Toke Aidt, Faculty of Economics, Cambridge University.
Prof Raymond Duch, Director, Centre for Experimental Social Sciences, Oxford University.
Prof. Lawrence Ezrow, Department of Government, University of Essex
Chair: Dr. Pieter van Houten, Director, YouGov-Cambridge programme
The median voter theory states that a majority rule voting system will select the outcome most preferred by the median voter. It implies policies will be moderate and maximise the median voter’s welfare.
The panel will discuss whether this theory explains reality in different settings, and its normative implications, trying to answer exciting questions about our political systems such as: Do parties really tame their policies down to appeal to the median voter? Who is the median voter in different countries and how is she influenced?
Focusing on the economic policy aspects, we will also address questions such as: How important are economic considerations in people’s voting decisions? Are voters able to determine which policies will maximise their welfare? Does this lead to policies aimed at reducing inequalities?
Dr Toke Aidt, Faculty of Economics, Cambridge University.
Prof Raymond Duch, Director, Centre for Experimental Social Sciences, Oxford University.
Prof. Lawrence Ezrow, Department of Government, University of Essex
Chair: Dr. Pieter van Houten, Director, YouGov-Cambridge programme
The median voter theory states that a majority rule voting system will select the outcome most preferred by the median voter. It implies policies will be moderate and maximise the median voter’s welfare.
The panel will discuss whether this theory explains reality in different settings, and its normative implications, trying to answer exciting questions about our political systems such as: Do parties really tame their policies down to appeal to the median voter? Who is the median voter in different countries and how is she influenced?
Focusing on the economic policy aspects, we will also address questions such as: How important are economic considerations in people’s voting decisions? Are voters able to determine which policies will maximise their welfare? Does this lead to policies aimed at reducing inequalities?
