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The Desire for Income Equality Amongst the UK Adult Population

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  • Cowling, Marc

Abstract

Whilst there is a volume of literature mapping out the evolution, causes and implications of income inequality across countries, there is little in-depth evidence concerning the desire of populations for income equality. This paper tackles this gap by presenting UK evidence from a large-scale adult population survey for 2003. The headline result is that 75% of the UK adult population prefer a fairer income distribution. Our econometric findings suggest that women are more likely to favour income equality than men and that better educated people are more tolerant of income inequality. Only the very rich favour income inequality. Geography is important, with the Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish all more likely to prefer a more equitable income distribution.

Suggested Citation

  • Cowling, Marc, 2007. "The Desire for Income Equality Amongst the UK Adult Population," MPRA Paper 1615, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:1615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rafael Di Tella & Robert J. MacCulloch & Andrew J. Oswald, 2003. "The Macroeconomics of Happiness," The Review of Economics and Statistics, MIT Press, vol. 85(4), pages 809-827, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    income inequality; self-interest; voting;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H0 - Public Economics - - General

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