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Income misperception and populism

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  • Albers, Thilo N. H.
  • Kersting, Felix
  • Kosse, Fabian

Abstract

We propose that false beliefs about own current economic status are an important factor for explaining populist attitudes. Eliciting subjects' receptiveness to rightwing populism and their perceived relative income positions in a representative survey of German households, we find that people with pessimistic beliefs about their income position are more attuned to populist statements. Key to understanding the misperception-populism relationship are strong gender differences in the mechanism: men are much more likely to channel their discontent into affection for populist ideas. A simple information provision does neither sustainably reduce misperception nor curb populism.

Suggested Citation

  • Albers, Thilo N. H. & Kersting, Felix & Kosse, Fabian, 2023. "Income misperception and populism," W.E.P. - Würzburg Economic Papers 104, University of Würzburg, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:wuewep:104
    DOI: 10.25972/OPUS-32169
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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