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Socioeconomic inequality in life expectancy: Perception and policy demand in the United States and Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Jessen, Lasse J.
  • Köhne, Sebastian
  • Nüß, Patrick
  • Ruhose, Jens

Abstract

Using survey experiments in the United States and Germany with about 12,000 participants, we study perceptions of socioeconomic inequality in life expectancy and policy demand. Respondents overestimate the rich-poor gap in both countries, judging the life expectancy of the rich roughly accurately but placing that of the poor well below its true level. These misperceptions vary little with political orientation or other characteristics. Correcting them shifts concern but leaves policy demand largely unchanged across general, specific, and real-stakes measures. Instead, demand divides politically, sharply in the United States and much less in Germany, consistent with views about the role of government rather than the inequality itself shaping policy demand.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessen, Lasse J. & Köhne, Sebastian & Nüß, Patrick & Ruhose, Jens, 2026. "Socioeconomic inequality in life expectancy: Perception and policy demand in the United States and Germany," IWH Discussion Papers 12/2026, Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:iwhdps:343096
    DOI: 10.18717/dpv0bb-pe22
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I14 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health and Inequality
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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