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Inequality and redistributive preferences: Comparative analysis with panel data from the World Values Survey (1990–2018)

Author

Listed:
  • Martín-Legendre, Juan Ignacio
  • Castellanos-García, Pablo
  • Sánchez-Santos, José Manuel

Abstract

Different views on inequality and preferences in income redistribution are instrumental in shaping tax-and-transfers redistributive policies. While the Median Voter Theorem indicates that increasing inequality should lead to an expansion of redistributive policies, the vast differences between countries in this regard seem to reveal this as a much more issue. In order to explore it further, we examine trends in the World Values Survey, which provides a heterogeneous sample of 88 countries for the period 1990–2018. Applying estimation methods for panel data, our results point to each country economic development –measured as per capita income– and perceived rather than actual inequality, as well as cultural factors associated with a country's geographical region, as the main determinants to explain redistribution preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Martín-Legendre, Juan Ignacio & Castellanos-García, Pablo & Sánchez-Santos, José Manuel, 2026. "Inequality and redistributive preferences: Comparative analysis with panel data from the World Values Survey (1990–2018)," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(1).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:reecon:v:80:y:2026:i:1:s1090944325000687
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rie.2025.101102
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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs

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