Definition
David Habib is a French political scientist and professor known for his research on political participation, protest, public opinion, and electoral behavior.
Overview
Born in 1955, Habib has spent the majority of his academic career at the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), where he holds a professorship in political science. He has directed research programs at the Centre d'études et de recherches internationales (CERI) and has been a member of several French scholarly associations, including the French Academy of Political Science. His work frequently employs quantitative methods, particularly large‑scale public‑opinion surveys, to analyze trends in citizen engagement and the dynamics of political protest. Habib’s publications have contributed to the understanding of the “disengagement” of voters in modern democracies and the conditions under which citizens mobilize for collective action.
Etymology/Origin
- David: A given name of Hebrew origin (דָּוִד, Dāwīd) meaning “beloved.”
- Habib: A surname of Arabic origin (حبيب) meaning “dear” or “beloved.”
The combination of a Hebrew first name and an Arabic surname reflects the multicultural linguistic heritage common in parts of the Mediterranean region.
Characteristics
- Research Focus: Political participation, protest dynamics, public opinion, electoral behavior, and comparative politics.
- Methodology: Predominantly quantitative, utilizing large‑scale surveys, statistical analysis, and comparative case studies.
- Publications: Author of several influential books and articles, including La proteste des citoyens (1992) and Le désengagement politique (2008).
- Academic Roles: Professor at Sciences Po, former director of CERI, and active participant in national research councils and editorial boards of political‑science journals.
- Impact: His empirical findings have informed debates on democratic legitimacy, citizen engagement, and the design of public‑policy interventions aimed at increasing participation.
Related Topics
- Political sociology
- Civil protest and social movements
- Electoral studies
- Public‑opinion research
- French political institutions
- Comparative politics
All information presented is based on publicly available academic and biographical sources.