Theory
Dowding has contributed to political philosophy and empirical research within political science. [9] He has published research on the concept of power, using formal analysis to examine debates on its nature and structure in society. Building on Brian Barry's concept of luck, Dowding argues that some groups are "systematically lucky" due to advantages within societal structures, while others are "systematically unlucky." This argument has drawn criticism from scholars such as Brian Barry, Steven Lukes, Peter Morriss, and Andrew Hindmoor. [10]
Dowding has also researched the Tiebout model, which examines how individuals relocate to gain better access to local services. His work found limited evidence of such migration in the UK, noting that people tend to move to areas with better services, but rarely leave areas solely because of service quality. [11] He later extended this research to examine Albert Hirschman's Exit, Voice, and Loyalty model. [12] In 2012, he and Peter John co-authored Exits, Voices and Social Investment, applying Hirschman’s model to citizen satisfaction with government services. [13]
In his 2012 article, "The Prime Ministerialisation of the British Prime Minister," Dowding challenged Michael Foley’s argument that British politics are becoming more presidential. He argued that the British prime minister has gained influence primarily by strengthening existing powers rather than adopting new ones, unlike the institutional structure of the U.S. presidency. [14]
More recently, Dowding has studied ministerial resignations in the UK and Australia, developing datasets for both, [15] and is currently researching political career trajectories in Australia. [16]
