Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/326867 
Year of Publication: 
2023
Series/Report no.: 
UNU-MERIT Working Papers No. 2023-017
Publisher: 
United Nations University (UNU), Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT), Maastricht
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.
Subjects: 
Inequality
Social Mobility
Redistribution
JEL: 
D31
D63
D90
H20
H40
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by-nc-sa Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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