2009-04-13 papers

on Public Finance

Issue of 2009‒04‒13
one paper chosen by

Preferences for Redistribution By Alesina, Alberto; Giuliano, Paola

By:	Alesina, Alberto (Harvard University); Giuliano, Paola (University of California, Los Angeles)
Abstract:	This paper discusses what determines the preferences of individuals for redistribution. We review the theoretical literature and provide a framework to incorporate various effects previously studied separately in the literature. We then examine empirical evidence for the US, using the General Social Survey, and for a large set of countries, using the World Values Survey. The paper reviews previously found results and provides several new ones. We emphasize, in particular, the role of historical experiences, cultural factors and personal history as determinants of preferences for equality or tolerance for inequality.
Keywords:	preferences for redistribution
JEL:	H1
Date:	2009–03
URL:	http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp4056&r=pub

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