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The Prince and the Pauper: Fairness through Thick and Thin Veils of Ignorance

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  • Chee Kian Leong

Abstract

This paper uses a twin construct to test how the thickness of the veil of ignorance (VOI) affects the perception of fairness and redistributional choices. A fortune reversal is generally perceived to be fair behind a thick VOI, but deemed unfair behind a transparent VOI, particularly if one is currently in a stronger social position. A significant association exists between the perception of fairness and the certainty levels about social position. A 50-50 split is preferred with thicker VOI; whilst the status quo is favoured with thinner VOI. Regardless of the VOI’s thickness, few opt for a winnertake-all redistribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Chee Kian Leong, 2014. "The Prince and the Pauper: Fairness through Thick and Thin Veils of Ignorance," CESifo Working Paper Series 4918, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_4918
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    File URL: https://www.cesifo.org/DocDL/cesifo1_wp4918.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Schnellenbach, Jan & Schubert, Christian, 2015. "Behavioral political economy: A survey," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 40(PB), pages 395-417.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    veil of ignorance; fairness;

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • D64 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Altruism; Philanthropy; Intergenerational Transfers
    • C99 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Other

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