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Lifting the Veil of Ignorance - Survey Experiments on Preferences for Wealth Redistribution

Author

Listed:
  • Elisa Stumpf

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena)

  • Silke Uebelmesser

    (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, CESifo)

Abstract

We study beliefs about wealth inequality and preferences for wealth redistribution, drawing on a large-scale online survey in Germany. Specifically, we assess participants’ knowledge of the German wealth distribution, their perceived position within it, and the effects of two information treatments on redistribution preferences. While we find no significant average treatment effects across the full sample, a systematic data-driven analysis reveals important heterogeneities across several of our covariates, offering detailed insights into the roles of age, trust in official statistics and institutions, and individual wealth.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisa Stumpf & Silke Uebelmesser, 2026. "Lifting the Veil of Ignorance - Survey Experiments on Preferences for Wealth Redistribution," Jena Economics Research Papers 2026-003, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena.
    • Handle: RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2026-003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • D31 - Microeconomics - - Distribution - - - Personal Income and Wealth Distribution
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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