Preferences for Redistribution

Alesina, Alberto F.; Giuliano, Paola

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Preferences for Redistribution

IZA Discussion Paper No. 4056

40 Pages Posted: 30 Mar 2009 Last revised: 12 Sep 2024

See all articles by Alberto F. Alesina

Alberto F. Alesina

Harvard University - Department of Economics; Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Paola Giuliano

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - Anderson School of Management; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); IZA Institute of Labor Economics

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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 Classification: H1

Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation

Alesina, Alberto F. and Giuliano, Paola, Preferences for Redistribution. IZA Discussion Paper No. 4056, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1369802