Inequality of opportunities, institutional distrust, and beliefs about socio-economic outcomes in the Western Balkans

IF 1.7 Q2 GEOGRAPHY

Regional Science Policy and Practice Pub Date : 2025-01-04 DOI:10.1016/j.rspp.2025.100174

Elvisa Drishti , Idlir Duhanxhi , Nevila Mehmetaj , Drini Imami , Edvin Zhllima , Arjola Halluni

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Abstract

This paper explores how inequality of opportunities (IOp) and institutional distrust shape beliefs about social and economic outcomes in the Western Balkans. Drawing on data from the Public Opinion Survey (2017–2021) conducted by the Regional Cooperation Council, we apply a robust multivariate regression framework to assess both the direct and interaction effects of these factors. Our findings demonstrate that higher levels of IOp are strongly associated with perceptions of social and economic unfairness, while institutional distrust amplifies these perceptions, revealing a dynamic interplay between socio-economic disparities and public confidence in institutions. The study highlights the critical need for targeted policy measures to mitigate IOp and rebuild institutional trust, which could fundamentally reshape public beliefs and foster equitable growth. Policymakers are urged to prioritise reducing socio-economic disparities and enhancing institutional transparency and accountability to promote trust and sustainable development in the region.

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来源期刊

Regional Science Policy and Practice GEOGRAPHY-

CiteScore

3.60

自引率

5.90%

发文量

期刊介绍： Regional Science Policy & Practice (RSPP) is the official policy and practitioner orientated journal of the Regional Science Association International. It is an international journal that publishes high quality papers in applied regional science that explore policy and practice issues in regional and local development. It welcomes papers from a range of academic disciplines and practitioners including planning, public policy, geography, economics and environmental science and related fields. Papers should address the interface between academic debates and policy development and application. RSPP provides an opportunity for academics and policy makers to develop a dialogue to identify and explore many of the challenges facing local and regional economies.