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Ethical Considerations of the Wealth Gap Sentiments in Europe

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  • Kitsnik, Joanna

Abstract

This working paper examines how individuals morally, ethically, and emotionally evaluate extreme wealth disparities in their countries. Using cross-sectional data from the 2019 International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) Social Inequality V module, I compare two groups of EU countries with contrasting capital gains tax regimes. Guided by frameworks of moral economies and the capability approach, the analysis investigates how anger toward wealth inequality relates to redistributive preferences, recognition of structural inequalities, and meritocratic beliefs. Preliminary results show that individuals who critically assess existing socioeconomic conditions and acknowledge structural inequalities report stronger resentment toward extreme wealth gaps, whereas stronger meritocratic beliefs correlate with lower levels of anger. Cross-country comparisons indicate that these relationships are more pronounced in high–capital-gains–tax contexts. Individuals in both groups who support higher taxation express more anger about wealth disparities, but this effect is substantially stronger in high-tax countries. Additionally, subjective economic position, such as perceived social status and financial security, predicts anger more strongly in high-tax regimes. These findings suggest that institutional contexts shape how citizens interpret and morally evaluate wealth concentration.

Suggested Citation

  • Kitsnik, Joanna, 2025. "Ethical Considerations of the Wealth Gap Sentiments in Europe," FEEM Working Papers 376268, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:feemwp:376268
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.376268
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    1. Albert O. Hirschman & Michael Rothschild, 1973. "The Changing Tolerance for Income Inequality in the Course of Economic DevelopmentWith A Mathematical Appendix," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 87(4), pages 544-566.
    2. Hirschman, Albert O., 1973. "The changing tolerance for income inequality in the course of economic development," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 1(12), pages 29-36, December.
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