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The distributional preferences of Americans, 2013–2016

Author

Listed:
  • Raymond Fisman

    (Boston University)

  • Pamela Jakiela

    (Williams College)

  • Shachar Kariv

    (University of California, Berkeley)

  • Silvia Vannutelli

    (Northwestern University)

Abstract

We study the distributional preferences of Americans during 2013–2016, a period of social and economic upheaval. We decompose preferences into two qualitatively different tradeoffs—fair-mindedness versus self-interest, and equality versus efficiency—and measure both at the individual level in a large and diverse sample. Although Americans are heterogeneous in terms of both fair-mindedness and equality-efficiency orientation, we find that the individual-level preferences in 2013 are highly predictive of those in 2016. Subjects that experienced an increase in household income became more self-interested, and those who voted for Democratic presidential candidates in both 2012 and 2016 became more equality-oriented.

Suggested Citation

  • Raymond Fisman & Pamela Jakiela & Shachar Kariv & Silvia Vannutelli, 2023. "The distributional preferences of Americans, 2013–2016," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 26(4), pages 727-748, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:expeco:v:26:y:2023:i:4:d:10.1007_s10683-023-09792-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10683-023-09792-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fehr, Dietmar & Müller, Daniel & Preuss, Marcel, 2024. "Social mobility perceptions and inequality acceptance," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 221(C), pages 366-384.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Distributional preferences; Social preferences; Fairness; Impartiality; Equality; Efficiency; Rationality; Revealed preference; Redistribution; Political decisions; Voting; Household income; American life panel (ALP); Experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C79 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Other
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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