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The Intercohort Dynamics of Support for Redistribution in 54 Countries, 1985–2017

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  • Tom VanHeuvelen

    (Department of Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA)

  • Kathy Copas

    (Department of Sociology, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA)

Abstract

When do attitudes towards inequality change? Scholars have examined why publics change their attitudes regarding support for redistribution (SFR). Yet almost all studies focus on SFR change from one year to another. We shift focus by conceptualizing SFR change as occurring across birth cohorts socialized into different cultural zeitgeists. We combine data from 21 waves of cross-national survey data using the International Social Survey Program and European Social Survey covering 54 countries, 32 years, and over a century of birth years. In many countries, we reach substantially different conclusions on the nature of SFR change when examining intercohort dynamics. In several cases, we detect rapidly declining SFR belied by year-to-year stability of attitudes, representing an important challenge for proponents of egalitarian politics. Additional findings and implications are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Tom VanHeuvelen & Kathy Copas, 2018. "The Intercohort Dynamics of Support for Redistribution in 54 Countries, 1985–2017," Societies, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:8:y:2018:i:3:p:69-:d:165776
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    Cited by:

    1. David Weisstanner, 2020. "Income Growth and Preferences for Redistribution: The Role of Absolute and Relative Economic Experiences," LIS Working papers 782, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.

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