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Whose Preferences Matter for Redistribution: Cross-country Evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Michel Marechal
  • Alain Cohn
  • Jeffrey Yusof
  • Raymond Fisman

Abstract

Using cross-sectional data from 93 countries, we investigate the relationship between the desired level of redistribution among citizens from different socioeconomic backgrounds and the actual extent of government redistribution. Our focus on redistribution arises from the inherent class conflicts it engenders in policy choices, allowing us to examine whose preferences are reflected in policy formulation. Contrary to prevailing assumptions regarding political influence, we find that the preferences of the lower socioeconomic group, rather than those of the median or upper strata, are most predictive of realized redistribution. This finding contradicts the expectations of both leading experts and regular citizens.

Suggested Citation

  • Michel Marechal & Alain Cohn & Jeffrey Yusof & Raymond Fisman, 2023. "Whose Preferences Matter for Redistribution: Cross-country Evidence," NBER Working Papers 31974, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:31974
    Note: PE POL
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    Cited by:

    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Marcel Preuss & Germ'an Reyes & Jason Somerville & Joy Wu, 2025. "Are Elites Meritocratic and Efficiency-Seeking? Evidence from MBA Students," Papers 2503.15443, arXiv.org, revised Sep 2025.
    3. Preuss, Marcel & Reyes, Germán & Somerville, Jason & Wu, Joy, 2025. "Are Elites Meritocratic and Efficiency-Seeking? Evidence from MBA Students," IZA Discussion Papers 17788, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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