This article bridges a gap in clientelism research by analyzing ethnographic literature through meta-analysis.
Research Design & Methods:
We coded characteristics of clientelistic exchanges described in ethnographic works. Using cluster analysis and principal component analysis, we systematized these data to provide new insights into client perspectives on clientelism.
Key Findings: Clientelism Dimensions from the Recipient's Viewpoint
- Cluster Analysis: Identified three core subtypes ("vote-buying", "relational", and "collective") of clientelism.
- Principal Component Analysis (PCA): Revealed two fundamental dimensions: Equal-unequal trade-offs, and Individual-universal benefits.
Our results demonstrate that these different aspects relate to various forms of client welfare. They also show how the equal/unequal dimension corresponds to certain types of exchanges while individual/universal relates to others.
Why It Matters:
The study provides a structured framework for understanding demand-side clientelism by reconciling existing deductive typologies and highlighting client agency beyond traditional voting contexts.
