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Is Predistribution Superior to Redistribution?

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  • Kanbur, Ravi

Abstract

I examine the roots of a recent move away from the post-war social democratic consensus on a predominant role for post-market tax and transfer redistribution, towards transforming the pre-market distribution of income earning capabilities (predistribution). This shift from redistribution to predistribution is underpinned by arguments highlighting (i) incentive costs of redistribution, (ii) the greater moral legitimacy of predistribution and (iii) political economy preference for predistribution. These arguments need to be examined closely on conceptual, empirical and policy grounds and, when this is done, I believe that the case for robust redistribution remains as strong as ever.

Suggested Citation

  • Kanbur, Ravi, 2024. "Is Predistribution Superior to Redistribution?," CEPR Discussion Papers 19756, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:19756
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    File URL: https://cepr.org/publications/DP19756
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • H20 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - General
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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