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Distributional Preference in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Keigo Kameda

    (Kwansei Gakuin University)

  • Miho Sato

    (Kwansei Gakuin University)

Abstract

Using experiments developed by Engelmann and Strobel (2004), this study investigates distributional preference in Japan. We find that just over half the people in the study have a maximin preference, approximately 7 to 19% have an efficiency preference, approximately 8% have a self-interest preference, and approximately 18% chose the allocation that would reduce the payoff to the rich and the poor, given that her/his payoff would remain constant. The last preference could be interpreted as what is referred to as “malice”, “deep envy” or a “feeling of vulnerability” in behavioural economics and cross-cultural psychology.

Suggested Citation

  • Keigo Kameda & Miho Sato, 2017. "Distributional Preference in Japan," The Japanese Economic Review, Springer, vol. 68(3), pages 394-408, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecrev:v:68:y:2017:i:3:d:10.1111_jere.12112
    DOI: 10.1111/jere.12112
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    Cited by:

    1. Yokoo, Hide-Fumi & 横尾, 英史, 2020. "Ethics of randomized field experiments: Evidence from a randomized survey experiment," Discussion Papers 2020-07, Graduate School of Economics, Hitotsubashi University.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    D31; D63; H61;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • H61 - Public Economics - - National Budget, Deficit, and Debt - - - Budget; Budget Systems

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