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Wealth redistribution promotes happiness

Author

Listed:
  • Ryan J. Dwyer

    (a Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada)

  • Elizabeth W. Dunn

    (a Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, BC, Canada)

Abstract

We took advantage of a unique experiment, in which anonymous donors gave US$10,000 to each of 200 recipients in seven countries. By comparing cash recipients with a control group that did not receive money, this preregistered experiment provides causal evidence that cash transfers substantially increase happiness across a diverse global sample. These gains were greatest for recipients who had the least: Those in lower-income countries gained three times more happiness than those in higher-income countries. Our data provide the clearest evidence to date that private citizens can improve net global happiness through voluntary redistribution to those with less.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryan J. Dwyer & Elizabeth W. Dunn, 2022. "Wealth redistribution promotes happiness," Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 119(46), pages 2211123119-, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nas:journl:v:119:y:2022:p:e2211123119
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