Culture and Social Resistance to Reform: A Theory About the Endogeneity of Public Beliefs With an Application to the Case of Argentina

Documento de Trabajo No. 275

24 Pages Posted: 12 Sep 2007

See all articles by Sergio Pernice

Sergio Pernice

University of CEMA

Federico Sturzenegger

Universidad Torcuato Di Tella; Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: October 2004

Abstract

This paper attempts to understand the factors that explain the degree of support or criticism that a reform process may be subject to. Understanding these determinants is critical, in turn, to assess the feasibility and sustainability of those reforms. In particular, we want to assess what are the elements that create societal consensus for reform and which are the main factors that turn public opinion against it. In the case of Argentina, for example, such dynamics are critical to understand how public opinion imposed constraints on government behavior, affected macroeconomic performance, and ultimately, determined the chance of success of reforms.

Suggested Citation

Pernice, Sergio and Sturzenegger, Federico, Culture and Social Resistance to Reform: A Theory About the Endogeneity of Public Beliefs With an Application to the Case of Argentina (October 2004). Documento de Trabajo No. 275, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1013396 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1013396

Sergio Pernice (Contact Author)

University of CEMA ( email )

Department of Finance Cordoba 637 - Piso 3
1054 Buenos Aires
Argentina
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Federico Sturzenegger

Universidad Torcuato Di Tella ( email )

Minones 2159
1428 Buenos Aires, 1428
Argentina

Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) ( email )

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Cambridge, MA 02138
United States
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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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