How does geography affect citizenship practices among the poor? Using survey data and qualitative research from northern India, this study finds an urban-rural divide. The urban poor expect less direct state response than their rural counterparts. They are more likely to use political brokers for claims.

* Place-based Factors: Visibility of welfare provision in villages vs slums; depth of rural decentralization; strength of urban party organizations.

This analysis suggests citizen-state engagement varies across locations, challenging the assumption that urban centers drive participation.