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Are Elites Meritocratic and Efficiency-Seeking? Evidence from MBA Students

Author

Listed:
  • Preuss, Marcel

    (Cornell University)

  • Reyes, Germán

    (Middlebury College)

  • Somerville, Jason

    (Federal Reserve Bank of New York)

  • Wu, Joy

    (University of British Columbia)

Abstract

Elites disproportionately influence policymaking, yet little is known about their fairness and efficiency preferences–key determinants of support for redistributive policies. We investigate these preferences using an incentivized lab experiment with a group of future elites–Ivy League MBA students. We find that elites implement more unequal earnings distributions than the average American, are highly sensitive to both merit-based inequality and efficiency costs of redistribution, and are less likely to hold strict meritocratic views. These findings provide novel insights into how elites' redistributive preferences may shape high levels of inequality and limited redistributive policy in the United States.

Suggested Citation

  • Preuss, Marcel & Reyes, Germán & Somerville, Jason & Wu, Joy, 2025. "Are Elites Meritocratic and Efficiency-Seeking? Evidence from MBA Students," IZA Discussion Papers 17788, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17788
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    meritocracy; efficiency; elite control; fairness ideals; redistributive preferences; MBA students; inequality; experimental economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement
    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies

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