Template-type: ReDif-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Martorano, Bruno
Author-workplace-name: Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MGSoG
Author-Name: Günther, Isabel
Title: Inequality, social mobility and redistributive preferences
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.
Classification-JEL: d31,d63,d90,h20,h40
Series: UNU-MERIT Working Papers
Creation-Date: 20230515
Number: 2023-017
File-URL: https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ws/files/136519172/wp2023_017.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 722699
Handle: Repec:unm:unumer:2023017
DOI: