Family Systems and the Historical Roots of Global Gaps in Democracy

Abstract

The current study investigates the role of ‘family systems’ as a historical institution in explaining why some countries have enduring democracy while others remained authoritarian despite the repeated global waves of democratization. To do so, empirical data including information on 127 countries between 1849 and 2009 has been gathered. The results of cross sectional and panel data analyses show that countries characterized by a nuclear household structure in the past also have higher levels of democracy in the long run (at the national level). Thus, the current study provides evidence for Todd's hypothesis on the origins of political systems. Moreover, family systems that determine the position of women are also found to be relevant for democratic development. The persistent effect of family systems on democracy can be attributed to their link with norms and values that are conducive to democracy, gender equality and local democracy practices. Overall, these findings emphasize family organization as an important historical factor in understanding the long-term global patterns of democratic development.