Work

Population Dynamic and Brokers’ Credibility: Explaining the Limited Use of Electoral Clientelism in Poor Roma Communities

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Why is electoral clientelism used to such a limited extent in some poor communities? This article examines which factors on the supply and demand sides affect the use of electoral clientelism in several Roma communities in Romania due to their economic vulnerability. The inductive thematic analysis uses semi-structured interviews conducted with activists from nongovernmental organizations specializing in defending Roma rights. We find that the limited use of electoral clientelism is the result of fewer people living in the community and brokers’ limited credibility. These results add nuance more broadly to the relationship between clientelism and poverty.

Source: Problems of Post-Communism

DOI: 10.1080/10758216.2025.2538054

Authors: Sergiu Gherghina, Sergiu Miscoiu, Aurelian Giugăl

Institutions: University of Glasgow, Babeș-Bolyai University, University of Bucharest

Language: English

Topic: Romani and Gypsy Studies

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, No poverty, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii