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A Recast Framework for Welfare Deservingness Perceptions

Author

Listed:
  • Carlo Michael Knotz

    (University of Stavanger)

  • Mia Katharina Gandenberger

    (University of Lausanne & NCCR - on the move)

  • Flavia Fossati

    (University of Lausanne, NCCR - on the move & NCCR - LIVES)

  • Giuliano Bonoli

    (University of Lausanne, NCCR - on the move & NCCR - LIVES)

Abstract

Many important societal debates revolve around questions of deservingness, especially when it comes to debates related to inequality and social protection. It is therefore unsurprising that a growing body of research spanning the social and political sciences is concerned with the determinants of deservingness perceptions. In this contribution, we engage with the currently central theoretical framework used in deservingness research and point out an important weakness: Partly ambiguous definitions of the framework’s central concepts, the criteria for perceived deservingness. We also highlight the negative consequences this has for empirical research, including notably varying and overlapping operationalizations and thereby a lacking comparability of results across studies. Our main contribution is a redefinition of the criteria for perceived deservingness and a demonstration of the empirical implications of using this new set of criteria via original vignette survey experiments conducted in Germany and the United States in 2019. Our results provide a clearer image of which criteria drive deservingness perceptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlo Michael Knotz & Mia Katharina Gandenberger & Flavia Fossati & Giuliano Bonoli, 2022. "A Recast Framework for Welfare Deservingness Perceptions," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 159(3), pages 927-943, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:159:y:2022:i:3:d:10.1007_s11205-021-02774-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-021-02774-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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