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Fair Shares and Selective Attention

Author

Listed:
  • Dianna R. Amasino
  • Davide D. Pace
  • Joël J. van der Weele

Abstract

Attitudes toward fairness and redistribution differ along socioeconomic lines. To understand their formation, we conduct a large-scale experiment on attention to merit and luck and the effect of attention on fairness decisions. Randomly advantaged subjects pay less attention to information about true merit and retain more economic surplus, and this effect persists in subsequent impartial decisions. Attention also has a causal role: encouraging subjects to look at merit reduces the effect of an advantaged position on allocations. This suggests that attention-based policy interventions may be effective in reducing polarized views on inequality.

Suggested Citation

  • Dianna R. Amasino & Davide D. Pace & Joël J. van der Weele, 2024. "Fair Shares and Selective Attention," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 16(4), pages 259-290, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejmic:v:16:y:2024:i:4:p:259-90
    DOI: 10.1257/mic.20220275
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness

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