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MENTAL MODEL · M5117

Curley Effect

Curley Effect
BusinessHigh supportPolitical Economy
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Boston Mayor James Curley secured long-term power by implementing distorted redistributive policies that deliberately drove away wealthy opposition voters, causing overall economic contraction but locking in the support of the remaining poor voters.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Gaining power by making the pie smaller. It reveals a dark game strategy: leaders sometimes deliberately harm the collective interest to expel dissidents and increase their relative control over the remaining group.

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The 'Curley Effect' in political economy: populist politicians consolidate their voter base and even reduce opponent support by directing resources to core supporters (often low-income loyal groups).

MINIMUM ACTION

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Michael_CurleyZH · Explicit
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