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Discrete-Choice-Experimente zur Ermittlung der Präferenzen für Umverteilung

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  • Pfarr Christian
  • Ulrich Volker

    (Universität Bayreuth, Lehrstuhl für Volkswirtschaftslehre III, insbes. Finanzwissenschaft, 95440 Bayreuth)

Abstract

As in most industrialized countries, the inequality regarding the distribution of household incomes in Germany has steadily increased. By collecting taxes and granting monetary transfers, the government tries to affect the personal distribution of incomes. Whereas the supply of redistribution is relatively easy to determine, it is rather difficult to identify the determinants of the citizens′ demand for redistribution. Most of the literature concerning the individuals′ preferences for redistribution relies on survey based analysis. A shortcoming of these studies is the failure of imposing a budget constraint. Discrete-Choice-Experiments (DCE) solve this problem by forcing individuals to take the consequences of their decisions with respect to their own income into account. This study aims at developing a theory based approach to elicit individuals′ preferences for redistribution using DCEs. For the specific case of Germany, we show how to design and implement such a DCE. In particular, we discuss how the price attribute in a DCE should be specified and which levels adequately define the price an individual is willing to pay for redistribution. We are able to demonstrate that even for a highly complex topic such as redistribution a correctly applied DCE can provide authoritative results. This allows deriving policy implications on how to design redistributive policies which are in line with citizens’ preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Pfarr Christian & Ulrich Volker, 2011. "Discrete-Choice-Experimente zur Ermittlung der Präferenzen für Umverteilung," Review of Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 62(3), pages 232-262, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:lus:reveco:v:62:y:2011:i:3:p:232-262
    DOI: 10.1515/roe-2011-0303
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    JEL classification:

    • C35 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions
    • D60 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - General

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