Incentives and social capital: are homeowners better citizens?

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to investigate the link between homeownership and citizenship. Homeownership is being touted as a useful instrument for producing better citizens despite the lack of evidence that would prove such a relationship. Proponents argue that homeownership may promote investment in local facilities and social capital because it offers a motivation for individuals to enhance their community and controls mobility. To test this assertion, a model of social capital, local amenities and homeownership was constructed and tested using data from the US General Social Survey. Findings revealed that homeowners are more prone to invest in social capital, suggesting a causal relationship. Moreover, lower mobility rates from homeowners account for a significant percentage of this effect. Finally, a relationship between homeownership and citizen was established using the German Socio-Economic Panel.

Research, Community life, Home ownership

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Land use and density in cities with congestion

Article Abstract:

Land use policies in many nations worldwide support the view that dense development of urban land is a social cost and, therefore, a negative public good. A study of urban land market spatial equilibrium models indicates, however, that urban land density actually brings about a positive effect particularly in terms of traffic congestion. Assuming the direct allocation of resources to maximize aggregate rent, it will be shown that the urban externality of congestion can be fully internalized, and this will always require an upward but differential correction to market density. Furthermore, these upward density adjustments are required for any system of transport capacity including the optimal system. This means that transport capacity policy is not a full solution regarding corrections to land use.

Models, Analysis, Traffic congestion, City planning, Urban planning, Land use

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