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Inequality, social mobility and redistributive preferences

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  • Günther, Isabel
  • Martorano, Bruno

Abstract

In an online experiment, we provide US citizens with information on both inequality of outcomes and opportunities and test the impact on preferences for redistribution. Information on wealth inequalities in the US increases consensus on a more progressive tax system, whereas information on lack of social mobility in the US 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, trust the government, or belong to the middle-income group, while there is no clear relationship between political position and the impact of information on preferences for redistribution.

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  • Günther, Isabel & Martorano, Bruno, 2025. "Inequality, social mobility and redistributive preferences," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 229(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jeborg:v:229:y:2025:i:c:s0167268124004426
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106828
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inequality; Social mobility; Preferences for redistribution; Online experiment;
    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
    • D90 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - General
    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
    • H40 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - General

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