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The Case Against Income Redistribution

Author

Listed:
  • Edgar K. Browning

    (Texas A&M University)

Abstract

The case for income redistribution by government is frequently made in the economics literature, but the case against is rarely encountered. This article is an attempt to fill that gap by enumerating and explaining the major arguments against income redistribution. Seven arguments are discussed. The first three stress the normative virtues of the market order, and the last four focus on the adverse consequences of income redistribution by government.

Suggested Citation

  • Edgar K. Browning, 2002. "The Case Against Income Redistribution," Public Finance Review, , vol. 30(6), pages 509-530, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:pubfin:v:30:y:2002:i:6:p:509-530
    DOI: 10.1177/109114202238000
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Edgar K. Browning, 1996. ""The Marginal Cost of Redistribution": Reply," Public Finance Review, , vol. 24(1), pages 63-74, January.
    2. Feldstein, Martin S, 1974. "Social Security, Induced Retirement, and Aggregate Capital Accumulation," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 82(5), pages 905-926, Sept./Oct.
    3. Bev G. Dahley & Giuseppe C. Ruggeri, 1996. ""The Marginal Cost of Redistribution": Comment," Public Finance Review, , vol. 24(1), pages 44-62, January.
    4. Edgar K. Browning, 1993. "The Marginal Cost of Redistribution," Public Finance Review, , vol. 21(1), pages 3-32, January.
    5. Gordon, Scott, 1976. "The New Contractarians," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 84(3), pages 573-590, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Cited by:

    1. Großer, Jens & Reuben, Ernesto, 2013. "Redistribution and market efficiency: An experimental study," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 39-52.

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