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Top vs. Bottom: Experimental Evidence on Priming, Information, and Redistribution Preferences

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  • Bellani, Luna

    (Ulm University)

  • Bledow, Nona

Abstract

This paper examines how priming and information about inequality affect support for redistribution. Using a large-scale randomized survey experiment in Germany, we vary both the focus (top vs. bottom of the income distribution) and the delivery (subtle priming vs. factual information) of inequality cues. We document three key findings. First, simply directing respondents' attention to different ends of the distribution shifts redistributive preferences—especially when focusing on the rich. Second, information about top incomes has a larger effect than equivalent information about the poor, revealing asymmetric responses. Third, while both priming and information temporarily influence attitudes, these effects fade within one year. Our findings help reconcile mixed results in the literature and underscore the importance of framing, informational content, and message durability in shaping redistribution preferences.

Suggested Citation

  • Bellani, Luna & Bledow, Nona, 2025. "Top vs. Bottom: Experimental Evidence on Priming, Information, and Redistribution Preferences," IZA Discussion Papers 18066, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18066
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ilyana Kuziemko & Michael I. Norton & Emmanuel Saez & Stefanie Stantcheva, 2015. "How Elastic Are Preferences for Redistribution? Evidence from Randomized Survey Experiments," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 105(4), pages 1478-1508, April.
    2. Stefanie Stantcheva, 2021. "Understanding Tax Policy: How do People Reason?," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 136(4), pages 2309-2369.
    3. Cruces, Guillermo & Perez-Truglia, Ricardo & Tetaz, Martin, 2013. "Biased perceptions of income distribution and preferences for redistribution: Evidence from a survey experiment," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 100-112.
    4. Chong, Dennis & Druckman, James N., 2007. "Framing Public Opinion in Competitive Democracies," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 101(4), pages 637-655, November.
    5. Meltzer, Allan H & Richard, Scott F, 1981. "A Rational Theory of the Size of Government," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 89(5), pages 914-927, October.
    6. Aboozar Hadavand, 2018. "Misperceptions: An Analysis of Subjective Economic Inequality," Research on Economic Inequality, in: Inequality, Taxation and Intergenerational Transmission, volume 26, pages 247-281, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • H24 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Personal Income and Other Nonbusiness Taxes and Subsidies
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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