Horizontal Educational Inequalities and Civil Conflict: The Nexus of Ethnicity, Inequality, and Violent Conflict

Authors

Katharine M. Lindquist, Carleton CollegeFollow

Abstract

Development economists have long questioned the relationship between civil conflict, inequality, and ethnic heterogeneity. While most quantitative literature has focused on inequality between individuals, this study analyzes the relationship of horizontal inequality – between groups of individuals sharing a common identity – and propensity for the onset of civil conflict, focusing on horizontal educational inequality (HEI). Findings from Demographic and Health Survey data for 44 countries from 1986 to 2005 show that measures of both female and male HEI are marginally or not significant in predicting civil conflict but strongly significant in predicting ethnic civil conflict.

Recommended Citation

Lindquist, Katharine M. (2011) "Horizontal Educational Inequalities and Civil Conflict: The Nexus of Ethnicity, Inequality, and Violent Conflict," Undergraduate Economic Review: Vol. 8: Iss. 1, Article 10.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/uer/vol8/iss1/10