Unequal Views of Inequality: Cross-National Support for Redistribution 1985-2011

• In Event: 154 - Regular Session. Public Opinion

Abstract

This research examines public views on the government’s responsibility to reduce
income inequality, or support for redistribution. It is motivated by the following question: why are some publics more supportive of government protection from inequality more than others? While
the individual-level correlates of support for redistribution are relatively well understood, the country characteristics affecting aggregate support are not. Therefore, this research examines how country-level characteristics affect aggregate support for redistribution. It does so by testing explanations of aggregate support using a unique dataset which includes a large number of countries and time periods. I combine data from 18 waves of nationally representative, cross national surveys from the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) and the European Social Survey (ESS). Data come from over 500,000 respondents from 39 countries in 27 time periods, totaling 366 country-year observations. Results from mixed effects logistic regression models show two primary and contrasting effects. States that reduce inequality through bundles of tax and transfer policies are rewarded with more supportive publics. In contrast, economic development
has a seemingly equivalent and dampening effect on public support. Importantly, economic development’s dampening effect grows at higher levels of development, potentially overwhelming
the amplifying effect of state redistribution. My results therefore suggest a fundamental challenge to proponents of egalitarian politics.

Author

• Tom VanHeuvelen, Indiana University