The aim of this research is to understand the role of politicians in the reproduction of wealth via the policies that they pass. The project’s major novelty is to systematically study the whole causal chain from politician characteristics and networks to wealth-relevant policies – and thereby to the reproduction of wealth.

Such an analysis has not yet been carried out in the literature.

The study involves a comparative analysis that spans countries of the Global North and the Global South and employs two complementary empirical strategies: 

  • a quantitative analysis of 50 countries, and 
  • in-depth studies in four countries (Brazil, Germany, South Africa, the United Kingdom).

The research focuses on:

  • “Wealth policies” such as tax policies (e.g., top income taxes) and sectoral policies especially financial deregulation, that directly benefit companies’ profits and top incomes. 
  • Politicians’ “social characteristics” (e.g., parental background, education) that shape their worldview towards pro-wealth policies.
  • The “economic characteristics” of politicians that can generate financial interests akin to the elite. 

The policy implications of these channels are different. The “worldview” channel calls upon improving the descriptive representation of politicians with working-class backgrounds. The “financial interest” channel calls for transparency and regulation of items such as investment portfolios and board memberships of politicians.

This project is a partnership between Philipps-University Marburg (Germany); University of Strathclyde (Scotland); FGV São Paulo Law School (Brazil); and ACEIR, University of Cape Town (South Africa), and with the financial support from the VW Foundation.  

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