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How Rich is Too Rich? Measuring the Riches Line

Author

Listed:
  • Ingrid Robeyns

    (Utrecht University)

  • Vincent Buskens

    (Utrecht University)

  • Arnout Rijt

    (Utrecht University
    European University Institute)

  • Nina Vergeldt

    (Utrecht University)

  • Tanja Lippe

    (Utrecht University)

Abstract

Is it possible to identify a ‘riches line’, distinguishing the ‘rich’ from the ‘super-rich’? Recent work in political philosophy suggests that this is theoretically possible. This study examines for the first time the empirical plausibility of a riches line, based on novel data collected from a representative sample of the Dutch population. The data reveal that the Dutch indeed draw such a line, namely between 1 and 3 million euros. Strikingly, respondents agree on its approximate location irrespective of their own income and education. Although most do not consider extreme wealth itself a severe problem and object to the government’s enforcement of limits to wealth and income, widespread support exists for increased taxation of the super-rich if that would improve the quality of life of the most vulnerable members of society.

Suggested Citation

  • Ingrid Robeyns & Vincent Buskens & Arnout Rijt & Nina Vergeldt & Tanja Lippe, 2021. "How Rich is Too Rich? Measuring the Riches Line," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 154(1), pages 115-143, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:154:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-020-02552-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-020-02552-z
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    1. Clausen, Jhonatan & Barrantes, Nicolas & Salcedo, Micaela, 2025. "Designing and implementing an older people-specific multidimensional poverty measure: An application to a middle-income country," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 31(C).
    2. François, Martin & Mertens de Wilmars, Sybille & Maréchal, Kevin, 2023. "Unlocking the potential of income and wealth caps in post-growth transformation: A framework for improving policy design," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).

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