Seymour Martin Lipset linked economic development primarily to which outcome in society?

Seymour Martin Lipset is well-known for his thesis connecting economic development to political democracy. He argued that as a society becomes more economically developed, it tends to cultivate conditions that are conducive to democratic governance. This correlation is based on the idea that economic prosperity fosters the growth of a middle class, which often demands greater political rights and participation. Additionally, with increased wealth, education levels rise, leading to more informed citizens who desire a voice in their governance.

Lipset's work emphasized how certain socioeconomic factors—such as industrialization, urbanization, and wealth—can promote democratic values and institutions. In his analysis, economic development supports democratic norms by creating a political culture that values individual freedoms, pluralism, and participatory governance. Therefore, the link between economic development and greater political democracy encapsulates Lipset’s contributions to the understanding of the relationship between economic factors and governance structures in society.