Awarded annually to outstanding scholarly work using AmericasBarometer data, the Seligson Prize honors the legacy of Dr. Mitchell A. Seligson, founder of LAPOP Lab and a pioneer in the study of public opinion in Latin America.
About the Prize
The Seligson Prize recognizes outstanding scholarship that advances knowledge of democracy, governance, and public opinion using AmericasBarometer data. It honors Dr. Mitchell A. Seligson, who founded LAPOP Lab and pioneered the study of public opinion research in Latin America.
Eligibility
Nominated works must:
- Make substantial use of AmericasBarometer data
- Have been published within the eligible window (confirm current window — typically the two years prior to the nomination cycle)
- Be written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese
- Take the form of a journal article, book, dissertation, or other scholarly work
Scholars may be nominated by others or may self-nominate.
How to Submit A Nomination
The Call for Nominations opens each January, with nominations typically due in mid-April and the winner announced in June. Nominations must be submitted using the online nomination form.
Past Recipients
Shane P. Singh and Ryan E. Carlin
"The Pigmentocracy of Executive Approval." Comparative Political Studies 58(2): 327-363.
Amy Erica Smith and Taylor C. Boas
"Religion, Sexuality Politics, and the Transformation of Latin American Electorates." British Journal of Political Science 54(3):816-835.
Lucas de Abreu Maia, Albert Chiu, and Scott Desposato
"No Evidence of Backlash: LGBT Rights in Latin America." The Journal of Politics 85(1): 49-63.
Jana Morgan and Nathan J. Kelly
Inequality, Exclusion, and Tolerance for Political Dissent in Latin America." Comparative Political Studies 54(11): 2019-2051.
Carew Boulding and Claudio A. Holzner
Voice and Inequality: Poverty and Political Participation in Latin American Democracies. Oxford University Press.
Melina Altamirano, Sarah Berens, and Sandra Ley
"The Welfare State amid Crime: How Victimization and Perceptions of Insecurity Affect Social Policy Preferences in Latin America and the Caribbean." Politics & Society 46(3): 389-422
Alisha Holland
"Diminished Expectations: Redistributive Preferences in Truncated Welfare States." World Politics 70(4): 555-594.
Matthew Singer
"Delegating Away Democracy: How Good Representation and Policy Success Can Undermine Democratic Legitimacy.” Comparative Political Studies 51(13): 1754-1788.
Samuel Handlin
"Mass Organization and the Durability of Competitive Authoritarian Regimes: Evidence from Venezuela." Comparative Political Studies 49(9): 1238-1269.
Joby Schaffer and Andy Baker
"Clientelism as Persuasion-Buying: Evidence from Latin America." Comparative Political Studies 48(9): 1093-1126.