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Inequality aversion and international distribution preferences: The case of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout

Author

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  • Henrike Sternberg

    (Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology & TUM School of Management, Munich School of Politcs and Public Policy & Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)

  • Janina Isabel Steinert

    (Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology & TUM School of Medicine and Health, Munich School of Politcs and Public Policy)

  • Tim Büthe

    (Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology & TUM School of Management, Munich School of Politcs and Public Policy & Duke Univery, Sanford School of Public Policy)

Abstract

This paper examines how inequality aversion shapes public support of international redistributive policies. We investigate this question in the context of the global allocation of vaccines during the Covid-19 pandemic, using online survey data from incentivized behavioral games and a discrete choice experiment conducted with German citizens in April 2021 (N=2,402). We distinguish between aversion to advantageous inequality (others worse off, the ’guilt’ parameter) and aversion to disadvantageous inequality (others better off, the ’envy’ parameter). These two forms of inequality aversion shape German citizens’ attitudes towards the cross-country allocation of resources in distinct ways: While higher levels of the guilt parameter significantly increase respondents’ likelihood to prioritize an equitable vaccine allocation, the envy parameter is associated with lower support thereof. These findings suggest that inequality aversion matters for citizens’ support of redistribution beyond the national level and emphasize that distinguishing between both forms of inequality aversion is crucial.

Suggested Citation

  • Henrike Sternberg & Janina Isabel Steinert & Tim Büthe, 2025. "Inequality aversion and international distribution preferences: The case of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout," Munich Papers in Political Economy 43, Munich School of Politics and Public Policy and the School of Management at the Technical University of Munich.
    • Handle: RePEc:aiw:wpaper:43
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Distributional preferences; Inequality aversion; International inequality; Covid-19 pandemic; Support for vaccine donations; Survey experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • H87 - Public Economics - - Miscellaneous Issues - - - International Fiscal Issues; International Public Goods
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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