Inequality and majority rule

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

I provide a novel argument in favour of majority rule. In particular, I consider the distribution of voter satisfaction in response to the outcome of a vote and prove that under certain conditions majority rule minimizes the level of inequality present in the distribution of voter satisfaction. This finding is reinforced by a computer simulation as well as an analysis of over four decades of polling data. Results complement existing procedural justifications of majority rule, demonstrating that majority rule ensures equality at the level of both procedure and outcome.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)617-629
Number of pages13
JournalAnalysis (United Kingdom)
Volume80
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2020

Keywords

  • democratic theory
  • inequality
  • majority rule
  • social choice theory

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Philosophy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Inequality and majority rule'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this