The Effect of Inequality Frames on Redistributive Income Policy Support

13 Pages Posted: 3 May 2012

See all articles by Rosalind Chow

Rosalind Chow

Carnegie Mellon University - David A. Tepper School of Business

Jeff Galak

Carnegie Mellon University

Date Written: May 2, 2012

Abstract

Although most Americans agree that wealth inequality is a pressing problem, opposition to redistributive income policies remains high, particularly among conservatives. We explore the possibility that this opposition is influenced by how income inequality is discussed: as either the poor making less than the rich or the rich making more than the poor. We find that conservatism predicted opposition to redistributive income policies when participants were told that the poor make less, but that this opposition was attenuated when participants were told that the rich make more. This effect was driven by participants’ attributions for wealth.

Keywords: income inequality, politics

Suggested Citation

Chow, Rosalind and Galak, Jeff, The Effect of Inequality Frames on Redistributive Income Policy Support (May 2, 2012). Psychological Science, Forthcoming, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2050054

Rosalind Chow (Contact Author)

Carnegie Mellon University - David A. Tepper School of Business ( email )

5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
United States

Jeff Galak

Carnegie Mellon University ( email )

Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
United States
412-268-5810 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://www.jeffgalak.com

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