Inequality, social mobility and redistributive preferences

Bruno Martorano; Isabel Günther

Inequality, social mobility and redistributive preferences

Research output: Working paper / Preprint › Working paper

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Abstract

Previous studies on preferences for redistribution have shown that even though information on inequality changes concerns about inequality, it barely changes redistributive preferences. In an online experiment, we challenge previous results by showing US citizens a short video with facts on both inequality and social mobility and test the impact on different redistributive policies. Information on inequality of outcomes increases consensus on a more progressive tax system, whereas information on lack of equal opportunities increases participants’ preferences for redistribution via fiscal spending. Both informational treatments have a stronger impact when participants also learn that higher inequality is not a necessary part of economic development. All informational treatments have a stronger impact for citizens, who underestimate the current level of inequality and trust the government.

Original language	English
Publisher	UNU-MERIT
Publication status	Published - 15 May 2023

Publication series

Series	UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Number	017
ISSN	1871-9872

JEL classifications

d31 - Personal Income, Wealth, and Their Distributions
d63 - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
d90 - Intertemporal Choice and Growth: General
h20 - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue: General
h40 - Publicly Provided Goods: General

Keywords

Inequality
Social Mobility
Redistribution

Access to Document

wp2023-017Final published version, 706 KBLicence: CC BY-NC

https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/wppdf/2023/wp2023-017.pdfLicence: CC BY-NC

Cite this

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