The Reciprocity Trap: Weak Parties, Elite Networks, and the Marginalization of the Poor in India

Pradeep Chhibber gives a free talk at Wolfson College on his forthcoming book about weak parties, elite networks and the marginalisation of poor voters in India.

Pradeep Chhibber presents a talk on his forthcoming book, co-authored with Francesca Jensenius, which argues that the instability of Indian elections stems from weak political parties and their mobilisation strategies, leading to the under-mobilisation of poor voters. Drawing on geo-coded polling station data and elite interviews, the research shows the poor are more likely to switch allegiances, vote for unviable candidates and participate less in politics. The session reintegrates class and economic status into the study of South Asian politics.